Bleatings from the sheep: birthday cards

One of the marks of arrogance is viewing all of life through my eyes, not considering how others see things.  I find it all too easy to assume that my perspective, my abilities, my limits are the truth for all.  It is not so!  I am not the center of the cosmos.

Seeing how this affects others was the fruit of another comment by a member of a church I served. 

I was discussing my recent birthday with a friend.  I noted that I loved thoughtful notes from people or cards that were teasing, but did no always see the value of a card with a cute or sentimental verse.  First, my degree of self absorption is seen in that this person was one of the folks who faithfully remembered by birthday and always did so with a sentimental card.  Here was the height of sensitivity in me -- commenting on their practice in a critical way!  Second, why was I commenting at all?  Who am I to critique the gifts and thoughtfulness of others?

This person made a fine rejoinder to me.  They said, "Well, Mark, not all of us are good with words and we pick a card to say what we would want to say if we were able to say things well."

This was a strong rebuke to my pride.  I assumed everyone had the gift of gab.  That the only reason people picked cards with cute verse was because they were lazy or sentimental.  It had never occurred to me that they picked them because they needed help communicating their heart.

How often do I demand and critique because others do not measure up to my expectations and, of course, my "superior" gifting?  Am I aware that people are limited, as limited as I am?  Peter Drucker has a quote I live by.  In his massive book on Management, he notes, "people are weak, some of us are pitifully weak."

As a pastor I am weak, and my people are weak.  They have limited ability, and I have limited ability.  Demanding more from them is not the path of the gentle shepherd. 

I still am fighting this particular manifestation of pride -- but am so grateful for the bleating of a sheep to help me see it.

Comments

[Rachel V]

This year I've tried to send birthday cards to my family members, its a way for me to connect with them since we live in various areas around the country and have different lifestyles.

[Tim Kerr]

Outstanding & convicting post.
Thankyou