Recently I was introduced to a blog post entitled “Drops of Awesome.”1 As usual, this new information triggered an avalanche of thoughts and questions.
Undoubtedly many of us need to give more recognition to the positive aspects of our lives and endeavors, instead of dwelling so much on the negative aspects of life, but (yes, here comes that ubiquitous but)—here is my question. In this world of opposites and opposition, and with our predilection toward imbalance, might these “drops of awesome” carry the substantial risk of mis-focusing us, IF we don’t maintain awareness and vigilance?
What do I mean?
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? (Old Testament Proverbs 20:6)I had been mulling this “Drops of Awesome” idea for about a week, when our Sunday School teacher requested that in the next seven days, we raise our awareness of the oft unrecognized, small graces and manifestations of God in our everyday lives. And BOING, the enlightenment intensified. If, as I have written elsewhere that “Praise is best deflected toward God,” then perhaps “Drops of God” might be the safer focus.
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. (Old Testament Proverbs 25:27)
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. (Old Testament Proverbs 27:2)
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (New Testament John 7:18)
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (New Testament 2 Corinthians 10:18)
Now this Awesome blogger clearly gives God the overflowing credit for making-up our deficiencies with the symbolism of a pitcher of water labeled “ATONEMENT,” but (there it is again), I have been wondering if “Drops of [Our] Awesome” might be more safely phrased in terms of “Drops of [God’s] Awesome,” as in His Spirit encouraging/moving us into greater awareness, motivation, sensitivity, compassion, empathy, faith, hope, charity, growth, progression, and so forth. Yes, it is our agency that makes the choice to listen and to act, but(!) what else do the scriptures say?
Then said Jesus unto them, ... I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me (New Testament John 8:28)And so, I wonder if it might not be possible to refocus all our deeds of awesome into expressions of gratitude and praise?
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (New Testament Corinthians 3:9)
NOT unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. (Old Testament Psalms 115:1)----------------------/
PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (Old Testament Psalms 150:1-6)
1. http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2012/12/19/drops-of-awesome/
