Monday was a momentous day here at I'd Laugh. Maybe you noticed, and maybe you didn't. It's not like there was a parade or anything. The post office was open and garbage trucks still picked up. Schools were in session. Politicians were still annoying. In fact, I would guess that for everyone else in the world life went on pretty much as usual. But for me, Monday was a day of change. And here's why...
On Monday, for the first day since August 26, 2009, I did not post to this blog. After 1,147 straight days, I took a day off. In my mind this was a BIG deal. In my mind, this was like Cal Ripken choosing to sit. Many of you know I began blogging with a commitment to post for 365 consecutive days. Once I passed that milestone, it became a point of real pride to keep going. And this was a good thing- for ME. But somewhere along the way my thinking shifted. Instead of thinking of myself as the writer of a very small and humble blog (which is what this is) I began to post everyday under the assumption that people would be disappointed in me if I did not. There are many people who enjoy my posts, but it was time to admit that their importance was becoming exaggerated in my own mind. In fact, only one person has mentioned to me noticing that the streak came an end. I had worried for a few months about how to end the streak. It seemed liked a mountain top moment in my life. Turned out to be just one more molehill.
So one Monday I did not post. I did not tweet. I simply let the world carry on without me. And you know what? The world did just fine. As with so many other things in this life, God has a way of reminding us that it is NOT about us. Whatever good this blog has done, it is because God has used it. The glory is His for loving me everyday, not mine for writing everyday. Now don't get me wrong, I will still post most everyday. I will still seek to share stories of faith, humor, inspiration and connections. This blog is my ministry, and I will not dessert it. I just no longer feel the need to keep a streak alive so people will say, "Wow! Look at what Carl did!" It's not about me... My sign off line says it all, and that is not about to change now. Be blessed, my friends!
Because of Jesus,
Isn't it interesting how something good can come to define us in ways we were never meant to be defined? I'm glad you are finding balance.
ReplyDelete"As with so many other things in this life, God has a way of reminding us that it is NOT about us" As a blogger busy about the Master's business, I can relate. Life will go on just fine without my blog posts.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy for all of us to get caught up in thinking we're more important than we are. So grateful for you!
ReplyDeleteI had simply assumed you were taking time off to adequately prepare Marilyn's birthday gifts. (It's not too late to use that one if you want, Bud.) - Steve
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the Bible tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought (Romans 12:3).
ReplyDelete