Motives

Every time I go to the grocery store, I park my little car as far away from the store as possible, hoping not to get boxed in by a hoard of trucks.

Driving through parking lots has never been a talent of mine, and attempting to back up with two large beds on either side of me--usually parked crooked--can turn my great day into a bad one.

It's silly, the things I let ruin my day.

Yesterday, I went to the grocery store to get food for our church potluck today.

I was walking out to my car when I noticed two large trucks had just parked on either side of my car. Instead of getting angry--instead of letting it ruin my day--I shrugged it off.

There are some things in this life you just can't control. And where large vehicle owners park is one of them.

I opened the trunk and begin putting the bags inside. When I closed the trunk, the man who parked mere inches from my driver's side was slowly backing up into the open spot behind him.

I waved and mouthed, "Thank you." But I wasn't just telling him that I was grateful he was willing to move so I'd have an easier time getting into my car; I was also thanking him for restoring my faith in people.

Lately, I've been struggling with the low expectations I have of others. If I give, I expect a little in return.

But the truth is that I should have no expectations at all.

This life isn't about what I can gain from other people--it's about what I can give to others. If they take everything I have to offer--and they do--and I become weary, then I need to seek God's face. Getting frustrated won't help the situation. We live in a broken world. I can't be a light when my motives are all wrong.

God, alone, can restore me. My patience. My strength. My willingness to help others. Alone time with Him can completely rejuvenate my weary spirit.

This week, God's been challenging me. He's been asking me to evaluate my motives. Why am I doing good? Am I expecting something in return? Have I missed the point of this life?

Everything I've been given--my testimony, possessions, talents, lessons learned--are all from God. Am I using what He's given me to further His work?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23-24)

My motives have been all wrong. I've been working hard and doing good because I'm expecting people to offer me the same in return. When they don't reciprocate the way I think they should, I become angry and frustrated. And my attitude and actions show it.

But I'm grateful that God is great in mercy. Because He's shown me that I'm not working for others--I'm working for Him. And there is nothing greater than working for my Creator.

What are your motives for doing good?

--Jessica