In working for someone else, I have become accustomed to not being at the top of the food chain, but being the best lower rung of the ladder that I can. Striving to be a solid number two to number ones. At times, I’ve allowed others to move ahead of me because their ego or insecurities required it. Lately I’ve seen others move up as their talents have matured. Some of my change in position is by my own design, deliberately re-evaluating my priorities.
At a recent event, opportunities arose for others to make presentations and advance while I stood back in support. Preparing for the gathering, I considered if I could accept being a five or six instead of one or two. As the evening progressed, the ones and twos did what was expected of them, the threes and fours tried so hard to be ones and twos. As I stood as a spectator, I could see the ones and twos wearing the same mask as the threes and fours. I know where I rank in my field of expertise and I didn’t get there by painting on a foolish grin. So stepping aside and letting fools be fools became more of a relief than a bother.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3 – NIV
In my Father’s eyes, I am high on the list though certainty undeserving. It is by His immeasurable Grace and Love that He sees my worth in Him. I tend to lose sight of that in the hustle of this earthly life. He allows me to step back and see the bigger picture when I get too caught up in my own image.
Perhaps He has offered me dewdrops of wisdom to see through the fog and catch a glimpse of His truth. Perhaps age has taught me to appreciate the simple blessings; sitting by a pond in the woods, the silence of calm waters only broken by the songs of birds that venture nearby, the occasional splash of fish jumping to feed on the bugs swirling around the water’s edge. Whispers from a loving Creator that this moment, in this place was created for me and me alone. A gentle reminder that I am number one in His heart.
Others struggle, climb and claw to reach up the hill, to increase their status. As long as Jesus is number one, it matters very little what number I am “assigned” in the eyes of those who place great value on their position. I always told my daughter that in competition, whether first or last, it was most important to finish strong. The same applies to each of our lives. Run the race set before us, and whether first or second or one hundred twenty seventh, Jesus stands across the goal line to cheer you on, welcome you with a hug and say “well done”.
Running the race and finishing strong.
And Blessed in Great Measure.