A Timely Blessing

One of the things that discourages us in this particular profession is the fact that many in this profession feel the need to "toot their own horn" so to speak. In fact, it's something I fear may be a downfall at some point if we're not careful, because there is so much pride attached to it. Pride is something I have a really hard time with, and in general I avoid association with prideful people. God has some pretty stiff words about that topic. T and I tend to try to just keep our heads down and do our work. We don't get involved in political things, and just keep our mouths shut about the more distasteful aspects of this position. I say all of that to make it clear how much we dislike bragging, having an elevated view of oneself, and things of that sort.

However.

Just because we don't toot our own horns doesn't mean that words of affirmation aren't important. We don't seek them out, so when they are given, they are worth so much. That happened tonight, and the timing was such a blessing to us. I wasn't there to hear it, but T told me of a big meeting today with a lot of other families in the area, and everyone went around and told about their work. T, being a man of few words, gave the basic details of his work and mine, then waited for the next person. A family spoke up and said, "Well if you aren't going to talk about your family, then I will," and went on to talk about what a blessing we had been to them. Not just T and I, but our kids as well. T was so surprised and humbled. But then, another family spoke up, and then another. I can't tell you how surprising it was. T teared up just telling me about it, and I teared up hearing it.

God knew what we needed. We want to thank the people who listened to God's prompting to give us those words of affirmation. We love the work we do, because God has given us a passion for it. Others can doubt our call or try to take credit for it, but we know who deserves that glory, and we gladly give it to God. After all, HE is the one who continues to reaffirm our call by meeting our needs in such a personal way. Anyone who tries to argue differently will have to answer to Him.