My family & I had a very special night Saturday at our area Heart Ball. I had the honor of being recognized for community service, so the children came for the pre-party photos and left with a sitter before the 'main event.'
How can these big kids be my family?
My Mom, Dad and my in-laws were kind to come into town for the event.I must confess that as completely honored and humbled as I was by the recognition, I have been very uneasy about how to handle it all. I have spent a good deal of time trying to pinpoint why I felt so strange about it. I think there are a few reasons:
1- While it is certainly nice to be appreciated, I know better than to buy into too much hype about myself. I am not super woman. All of life involves tradeoffs. I should probably spend a bit more time in the kitchen, at the gym, in the laundry room or working with my hands...but I enjoy the fulfillment and escapism of volunteering more.
2- In many ways I give out of plenty while many others give more sacrificially of their time, talents and resources. I am able to volunteer because I have a husband whose hard work allows me to work for free. My children are in school 30 hours a week, so I have time to give.
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 (NIV)
3- I am not a martyr. My volunteerism is not all sacrifice. I reap much from it. I enjoy serving in the places where I volunteer. I believe that this is the work God created me for (Ephesians 2:10). I have learned so much about the Gospel, the heart of God, myself and life in general through the work God has allowed me to do.
I hope this doesn't sound ungrateful. The event was wonderful. I was completely shocked that I was chosen as an honoree. I just want to keep it all in perspective.
After the event I came home, hung up the dress, washed off the make up and found myself wondering how to live up to the honor. Then I prayed God alone would be my motivation and my guide, revealing at each new chapter of my life what He desires for me as wife, mother, daughter, friend and servant--aware that different roles will likely take priority at various places along this journey.
1- While it is certainly nice to be appreciated, I know better than to buy into too much hype about myself. I am not super woman. All of life involves tradeoffs. I should probably spend a bit more time in the kitchen, at the gym, in the laundry room or working with my hands...but I enjoy the fulfillment and escapism of volunteering more.
2- In many ways I give out of plenty while many others give more sacrificially of their time, talents and resources. I am able to volunteer because I have a husband whose hard work allows me to work for free. My children are in school 30 hours a week, so I have time to give.
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48 (NIV)
3- I am not a martyr. My volunteerism is not all sacrifice. I reap much from it. I enjoy serving in the places where I volunteer. I believe that this is the work God created me for (Ephesians 2:10). I have learned so much about the Gospel, the heart of God, myself and life in general through the work God has allowed me to do.
I hope this doesn't sound ungrateful. The event was wonderful. I was completely shocked that I was chosen as an honoree. I just want to keep it all in perspective.
After the event I came home, hung up the dress, washed off the make up and found myself wondering how to live up to the honor. Then I prayed God alone would be my motivation and my guide, revealing at each new chapter of my life what He desires for me as wife, mother, daughter, friend and servant--aware that different roles will likely take priority at various places along this journey.
12 comments:
You look beautiful and your family is a reflection of God's greatness in the world! But they are BIG! I'm glad you have pictures to remember this night..place it in your bible and remember that HE gives you the strength to share your HEART! Keep up the amazing work you do Jennifer!
Jennifer,
I have been a follower on your blog for awhile. I have been inspired by you many times since I started following your writing. I feel tonight would be the perfect opportunity to say "hello" to you and to tell you "congratulations" for a job well done. Your genuine graciousness and love of God is what makes you amazing and deserving of the recognition you were given.
Congratulations! I wrote a blog post awhile back about how I say NO to most everything beyond work and family obligations at this point in my life. And I also wrote about how thankful I am that others, like you, say YES and give countless hours to volunteering.
You are an inspiration! You go, girl!
Congratulations! Seems like a very well deserved award! And I love the family photo of the "big kids!"
Congrats Jen! I am sure this was a much deserved honor!!!!
Congrats J-Mom! You DESERVE this!
-Shannon in Austin
Congratulations!
Lovely family photo!
~K
I am proud for you. After reading your blog for over a year or two now, your heart is pure and this honor - I am sure - is well-deserved.
God has different assignments for us all.....whether we give out of plenty or out of sacrifice.....and I am one person who has been blessed by getting a peek at your life through your writing and the opportunities you've been given.
Oh, and I love that last paragraph too. It is my prayer as well.
Furthermore, your post on setting precedents was excellent.
Amy@balmingilead.typepad.com
How wonderful!
Congrats! you are always inspiring and helping me to be good, see good and strive for all that is good! Good job!
Congratulations! Your intentions are God honoring and your community is very blessed to have you in their corner! And they ARE big kids-oh my.
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