Recognition

"Well done my good and faithful servant!... Come and share your Master's happiness." (Matthew 25:21, NIV)

Last night, I had an awesome time with friends from my women's fellowship group and my Mary Kay Director. I have become an independent consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics because I believe and now know for sure that God has called me to educate, edify and encourage women. This company offers a great opportunity for women to grow personally, spiritually, financially and socially. This is my ministry; this is my calling. As we were sharing last night, my director noted that one of the reasons women become independent consultants with Mary Kay Cosmetics is because of recognition. This company is faith based and rewards its consultants in more ways than you can imagine. In the past, I have told myself that I did not need recognition and that I was comfortable in the background going about my day. I know now that all of us hunger for recognition and can do greater things when we have support and belief behind us.

We all work so hard every day for just a little bit of recognition from family, friends, coworkers and bosses and most of the time we live each day without it. Many of you may read this message and think you don't need recognition because you are fine by yourself and know you can be who you want to be without it. I believed that for a long time. I believe in a good work ethic and for years I worked at jobs with all that I had because of that work ethic. I worked late, came in early, rearranged my personal plans and helped other people succeed because I believed that is what we are supposed to do in life - go the extra mile. Most of the time there was very little to no recognition and even when there was, it lasted a minute and wasn't worth a cent the next day. It is hard to strive for a prize and miss it. It is hard to be recognized for failure versus success and it is hard to have someone tell you that after all you have done and all of the years you have worked, you will make a great whatever someday.

I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father, because He recognizes me daily through blessings, answers to prayers, surprises, love from Him and others, teachings, forgiveness and grace. He knows more than anyone else how desperately we need to be recognized for our efforts and promises that no matter what we do, whether we fall short of the goal or rise above our achievements, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

With all the recognition He gives us, how much time do we spend recognizing Him? Do we begin our day with prayer and thanksgiving? Do we surrender the day into His hands so that His will may be done? Do we recognize that all we have and all we are is because of Him? As we plan our days and our lives do we seek His wisdom and guidance first? Do we thank Him and praise Him when the blessings come and when the blessings pass us by? Do we tell Him we love Him no matter where He leads? Do we just sit with Him and ask what He wants us to know and do for Him? Do we even just sit with Him and enjoy His Presence?

As you seek recognition today from those around you, send up a prayer of gratitude to God. Instead of asking Him why something isn't going your way or when He plans to move your mountains, ask Him what He wants for today. Enjoy Him. Love on Him. Recognize our Almighty God and acknowledge Him for all that He is.

Have a blessed day!