The word invokes a sense of pride. Accomplishment, even. I made it happen. I took the difficult path. I did it my way.
But did you really?
Most of us could fill an acknowledgment page with the names of people who made “my way” possible.
A teacher who was patient. Someone who hired us before our résumé gave them much reason to. Maybe somebody at home who carried more than their share while we pursued what we now call our accomplishment.
They tend to get a sentence. We give ourselves several chapters.
Of course, the effort was real. You worked. You sacrificed. You made difficult decisions. Recognizing the help takes nothing away from the work. It just makes the account more honest.
Paul asks a rather inconvenient question in 1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive?”
That reaches beyond the people who helped. It gets into the abilities I consider mine. The mind I work with. The strength to try again. All that God has given me before I ever get around to taking credit.
I wonder who deserves a little more space in the way I tell my story.
First Light
www.firstlightblog.org
A daily reflection on faith, leadership, and life. One honest thought each morning to help you start grounded, focused, and full of grace before the world even wakes up.
By Nathan Clark
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