For over a year, there is a gentleman from

our community who calls me and leaves

anonymous messages about the worship

service from the previous Wednesday.

At first, his messages were kind and a

little quirky. Then the became very critical.

Dare I say harsh.

On Tuesday morning I came into my office bright and early at 7:30am excited and ready to work.  The previous Wednesday was an all worship night: one I had worked hard planning, preparing, and listening to the whispers of God.

Red button flashing... voice message. Play.

“Well Becky I’d have to give you a C for last Wednesday...” 

Delete! Delete!

My heart couldn’t take it.

About the worst thing for an Achiever/People-Pleaser to hear is that. I failed him. I failed someone in our church. I did not play the songs he liked. I did not move him the way he wanted. I did not do what he thought I should. According to him, I did not do my job well.

And here’s the truth. I cannot please everybody. I cannot possibly leave 20,000 congregants satisfied, no matter how hard I try.

The only thing I could do is pray...

“God, You know that my team worked our absolute hardest. God, You know I gave my 110%, my sweat, my tears, my calloused fingers. I have to trust that my first fruits delighted You.”

In whatever job you have: be it CEO, store owner, mother, father, do you know that our ultimate boss is God? 

And what does God ask for? Our first fruits. Our best offering we can give.  And our love.

(Refer to Nehemiah 10:34-39)

Let’s try in all that we do to delight God. To listen as closely as we can to God’s leading.

And give ourselves a little grace when needed.

And lest we forget... try and encourage others as much as you can.  It goes a long way!