Too much of ME?

 

Have you poured your heart and soul into writing for your blog or podcast only to be disappointed that five people in total are following you? Have you ever given a presentation for work, or given a talk before your civic group, only to realize that the response of your audience implies boredom rather than engagement in your message?

How did this make you feel?  If it has happened more than once, it may lead you to reconsider whether your efforts are worth it.

One thing that stands out for me has nothing to do with being personally affirmed, or rejected, but whether I feel called to it. 

Disappointment can lead us to call into question our own ability.  That seems like a pretty universal thing, but if you are only doing what you do because you need to hear positive feedback, you may be doing it for the wrong reasons.

One of the things that is critical to self-assessment when you have put your personal efforts out there for others, is to remove the “me” from the critique.  Of course a healthy dose of honesty is always good and helps us grow and learn, but one thing we need to be careful about is if there is too much “me” in our effort.

Ask yourself, “Am I doing what God is calling me to do?”

If the answer is Yes!, then your work will continue, regardless of how people respond, because their response is not your driving motivation.

I remember meeting a catechist years ago who was introducing a new way of teaching children.  She felt so strongly about the process that she really felt it was her life’s work, something her entire career had led her to.  She withstood the doubters and plowed ahead and was instrumental in making a difference in religious education.  She never gave up.

I believe that if others judge our work negatively, or outrightly reject us, and we give up because of it, then there is probably too much “me,” too much ego, driving us. For, if it wasn’t about the ego, and it was truly about responding to God’s call, it wouldn’t matter whether it was well-received or not, we’d still have do it. 

Affirmation and criticism are good, and indeed often helpful, but they really shouldn’t impact what we do.  Consider why you do what you do.  Drill down deep and uncover any pride that is affecting your decision about moving forward or stepping away.

Where is God in all of this?

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com