Come Out From Under Your Basket

You’re not obligated to win. You’re obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day. Marian Wright Edelman

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Luke 8:16 New American Standard Bible

You know the feeling when you complete a project that seems easy and natural to you and everyone else is impressed? Do you minimize your work and dismiss the compliments as “anyone could have done it?”

What comes easily to one person may be wonderous to another. Take cooking for example. I love to watch others cook. It’s absolutely amazing to me how someone can take a variety of ingredients, combine them in some fashion, and then present a tasty sensation.

Anytime I look longingly at a kitchen, I wonder what magic happens to create a meal – any meal – even oatmeal! Cooking baffles me. When I compliment someone on their cooking, my comments come from deep admiration and respect. Frequently, my compliments are met with, “Anyone could have prepared this!” I know I couldn’t!

Why do we diminish our gifts? Why do we not see how wonderful we truly are? Why do we not allow ourselves to do our best and let our light shine to all? What are we afraid of? Do we consider that our singular talent can be easily mimicked by others and therefore has little value?

Today, take a moment and see all you have accomplished in your life – all the challenges, all the road blocks, all the successes. Smile a little to yourself. If it’s challenging to let your light shine out to others, practice by letting your light shine inside you.

Feel the warmth. Enjoy your success.

Katie