Here's the quote she chose for us to write about today:
"He who has no sense of self-importance
cannot be offended or defeated."
W. Phillip Keller
Wow; this is a good one for me right now. In the last two years, my life has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. I've gone from being retired and doing all the things I've always wanted to do to returning to full time work.
In the process of finding work, I was unable to return to my career of 25 years as a cardiovascular nurse. Since I hadn't worked in the field for the last five years, I would have to return to the university for a refresher course. At the time, I needed to get to work immediately.
In the process of job hunting, the Lord found the perfect job for me through my pastor's wife. She works at a private school as a third grade teacher and so I interviewed with the principal. I was hired to help out as a teacher's aide in the PreK 3 class.
I am now sweeping floors, cleaning up paint (and the occasional vomit but I'm comfortable with that), walking three year old children to various activities, reminding them to sit quietly and ...I get to love these children. There are days when I remember the higher positions I held in the nursing field as a Manager and Charge Nurse. But then I look at the faces of these precious children and I know this is where I belong for this season in my life.
I am not offended or defeated as I know that God is sovereign and is fully aware of my situation. I used to always quote the verse about "working as unto the Lord" when people would complain about having to do things that weren't what they felt they were capable of. Even in nursing, I was occasionally yelled at by Type A heart disease patients who were frustrated. So there were plenty of humbling and unpleasant moments.
But I look at the life of Jesus and see His example.
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
But make himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death --
even death on a cross!"
Philippians 2:3-8
So when I am tempted to feel offended or defeated, I remind myself of these verses in Philippians.
How about you? Are you easily offended and defeated?
Blessings and love,
Good morning Deb! This was a really good and thought provoking post. Am I easily offended or defeated? I think sometimes I am without really realizing it DOES mean I must have an elevated opinion of myself...sigh. Other times I think I am not nearly as bad as I use to be. At this season in my life, with everything that has happened in the last couple of years, I too have found I think what it is that is truly most important as we live our lives out here on this earth. Isn't it wonderful we can always find the perfect example in His word? I am soo glad you have found a job that you really enjoy, and that has many other side benefits as well. ENJOY this new school year. I am sure you are such a blessing to all of those little ones! HUGS, Debbie
ReplyDeleteThis hit home for me. I'm usually not defeated but at times feel neglected. It's so wonderful that these children will have such a great beginning in their school years. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteExcellent angle Debbie on this one, I wish I would have gone there. You are so right sometimes people wear their feelings on their sleeves and become instantly offended or defeated at the slightest things. We need to be content and thankful for what we have. I struggled for years with thinking I was playing the part of the understudy to too many people. At last I decided I was going to be the best understudy, behind the scene person there ever was. Thanks again for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can go through phases of feeling defeated, but then when I remember what Christ as done for me, I am instantly encouraged (and humbled!). Great post!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
ouch Debbie! I needed this reminder today too! Thnks for much for posting about it.. sorta fits my week!
ReplyDeleteWell said Debbie! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI *almost* used the passage from Philippians that you used. The quote definitely reminded me of it.
Love the verses you used...I'm always reminding my children of them, but am realizing I need to remind *myself* of them more, too!
ReplyDeleteDouble Ouch!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that I have the option to NOT feel defeated or offended. Actually, as a Christ follower, I have the responsibility to learn from HIM and imitate His humble ways.
May I be quick to praise instead of grumble. ((HUGS))
I would say I am very easily defeated. I often feel as if the situation is hopeless, or like I can't try hard enough. Offense? I've been asking the Lord about that one. I may get offended, but I don't hold onto it. It comes and goes quickly.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteSomething I have been pondering on all week; the two go hand in hand when we are faced with certain situations and emotions in our careers. You are such a lovely example of reflecting humility over pride! God's grace is good! :)
Blessings and love,
Denise