TO AWARD OR NOT TO AWARD...
I've been noticing a lot of comments and talk about this subject and decided to jump in with my two cents.
This topic falls into the category of so many that can really divide people and seldom convince others: homeschooling vs public or private school; working; recycling; play days for children; global warming; just a few that come to my mind that I have observed divide people in blogland.
I began blogging on January 21st of this year and one of the first controversies that arose, to my knowledge, was an award began circulating and a few people really got their feelings hurt. One person even passed the award along and then came back and withdrew it and apologized for passing it on. I realized right then, this was indeed a VERY sensitive issue and one that would be criticized regardless of which side you came down on. I knew I needed to give it serious thought and prayer as to what was right for me.
You all know that I both receive and pass on Awards. That is no surprise. What I am sharing here today is my perspective on the issue and why I do so.
None of us are the BEST at everything we do. God has given us all different abilities and talents. I love music, and I have really good rhythm, but I do not carry a tune very well. I would never try to get up and sing a solo or even in a quartet BUT I do sing my heart out in Worship service, in my car driving, in my home. I am not going to not sing, because I can't do it as well as many others. I applaud as loud, or louder, for those who do it well because I appreciate they have that talent. I like to see them receive the recognition they so well deserve.
This over sensitiveness to "hurting some one's feelings" has been taken to an extreme. I know some educators are even taking it so far as to not give "A's" for superior work because those getting the C's & D's "feel badly". Our boys were never really into sports, so we have no first hand experience, but I've heard of parents getting upset because their children are not given the awards in sports that some of the outstanding athletes are given.
In my view, this type of thinking handicaps our children. In the real world the ones who do the best job are going to get the promotion, and the higher salary. We need to teach our children, and ourselves, to do the very best we can at each and every thing. God's words teaches us: "Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Cor 10:31
On the other side of the issue, we need to know how to graciously accept things from others. So many of us can give and give but do not know how to receive. How often has someone complimented you on how you looked and instead of saying, "Why thank you!" have replied "Oh, this old thing......". Or someone gives you a gift, just because they want to (and probably the Lord has told them to!) and you immediately think you must give something right back.
I personally give a lot of thought before passing on an award and I am truly touched and honored when I receive one. I am also truly pleased for each and every one of you who receive the awards you receive from others. Man looks at the outward appearance but Got looks at and searches our hearts.
To those who have awarded me Awards I truly am touched and Thank You. For those to whom I have passed the awards on, I trust you understand I have given it a lot of thought and truly say what I think and feel. I thank those of you who have chosen to pass them on. For those who chose not to pass them on , I honor and respect your differing view.
How that I have given my two cents, and my stand on this subject, I would truly love to hear your views, positions and comments!!!
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Here is another prayer request that just came to my attention today. Luke is a 7 year old boy who has requested to receive 500 prayers. Go here and bless him.
