Being instrumental

in things.
Humans are funny critters, and I'm allowed to say that because I am one. We crave affirmation, acknowledgment and love, and we'll go to great lengths to get these things whether we realize it or not. We want this good stuff from our friends and family, from work or hobbies, and from God. Only one of the aforementioned will always give it to us. We collect stars or certificates that say we're good at things. How often do we think or realize that it's less about us and more about God working through us?
Granted, you probably wouldn't think about this as you're solving some incredibly difficult maths equation, or pulling people from a burning building or whatnot. I wouldn't know since I haven't done either. I think it's normal to not realize at the time that what you're doing that people are acknowledging is something you can do because of the gift from God that is your brains or your brawn or your training or any combination thereof.
The key is this, once you realize it, try to remember to thank God for it. That's much, much easier said than done. We want to take pride in the things we do. A little pride is a dangerous thing, as is false humility. And it sounds weird and forced some times to say "God gets the credit here", like if you just solved the math problem. Burning buildings on the other hand are considered more or less publicly acceptable times to credit God for His help.
I think another important thing that you have to do, that's part of this, is recognize your instrumentality. God picked up a tool from the toolbox and that tool was you. He needed a lugwrench and you were the right one for the job. Should you be proud that you were the right thing in the right place? Thankful maybe but not necessarily proud.
This was your random philosophical thought for the day- brought to you in part by Pope St. Nicholas I, who wrote a very thoughtful Response to the Questions of the Bulgars*!
More on that soonly!




*The people, not the grain. I can't see the grain having many questions...