There’s no expectation of fanfare when we’ve simply done our duty. But this doesn’t negate our desire to be seen and blessed for who we are. Like Jesus, we too want to receive a blessing and to know that someone is pleased in us. “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased” are words we want to receive for ourselves.
Babies learning to walk or potty training are initially celebrated at each attempt. But eventually this simply becomes the expectation and no longer a point of praise. Our duty and practice of love falls into similar categories. Our mundane tasks of going to work, loving our wife and kids, caring for our community, or avoiding sins are not done to receive a pat on the back. They are just our basic acts of love and responsibility.
But a deep desire to be blessed remains. And while it’s similar to a desire for our good efforts to be affirmed, it’s not quite the same. To be blessed is to have our core identity recognized and for someone to delight in us for simply who we are.
Unfortunately, in our efforts not to become boastful or conceited in what’s merely our duty, we miss our soul craving to be blessed. And this opens the door for this holy desire to now become perverted. For some, they redouble their efforts to do more – hoping they can finally do enough to win praise and fill the void they feel inside. For others, it’s desperately chasing one fantasy after another without fully knowing what they’re looking for. Still others might experience soul-crushing shame – keeping others at a distance because they believe they’re unworthy of true love and belonging.
Our desire for someone to be pleased with us is good. But this must ultimately come from God, and only through others. And we invite much unnecessary heartache into our story otherwise.
In the end, no one needs to praise you for simply doing your job. But keep your heart open to be blessed and to know that God and others are well pleased with you.
