Good morning, good afternoon or good evening wherever you are!

I hope you’re doing well.

I wanted to share quickly this morning, about waiting for the applause.

What does this mean?

Sometimes it’s difficult to keep on doing good when it feels like nobody is noticing us, or nobody is seeing what we’re doing.

But I wanted to say, that don’t wait for the applause of others, or don’t wait to be praised by everyone else, because often society praises all the wrong things, or there’s no consistency. One example, if you don’t publicly give money, people may shun you for not doing anything, if you do publicly give, they’re saying you’re showing off, and ‘why can’t you give without showing everybody what you’re doing’.

So really, you never can win!

So don’t wait for the praises from everyone else, to keep doing good.

Maybe you’re a parent, and you’re doing the best that you can, but it seems like nobody is seeing that. Or you’re a student, or in any position or stage in life.

People may not see your greatness or publicly praise you, and that sucks! But don’t stop doing good. Keep doing the best that you can, and give yourself the praise, give yourself a pat on the back, and congratulate yourself.

I had – well, honestly still have, from time to time – that feeling, it just felt that I was doing a lot for people, especially without being asked, and sometimes I would’ve just wanted a thank you. But I had to step back and realise, whether they thank me all the time or not, am I doing what is right? Am I doing what I would want to be done to myself? And do I also show gratitude for the little things, from the people around me?

I used to work in fast food, and it was like, no matter if I smiled or I was friendly, it felt like still people were rude, or if I was trying my best to do things quickly, still there was something to complain about from others. And I just felt like what is the point really! However, I had to tell myself and encourage myself that, even if they’re not gonna smile back, I’m gonna keep on smiling, because that’s who I am. Even if they’re not gonna say thank you, I’m still gonna wish them all a good day. Even when it’s difficult, I’m still going to try my best.

I want to share a few  scriptures with you, that really kept me going.

Matthew 6: 1 – 4:

1.Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

When you’re doing things just to be seen, the moment that you’re seen, the reward is in full. But when you’re doing things, even when nobody is seeing anything, God sees you, and rewards you.

And remind yourself, you’re doing good, because God is good to you.

Colossians 3:23-24 Amplified Bible (AMP)

²³ Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.

God sees you, He does. Isn’t that wonderful, that even when it feels like nobody else does, or nobody seems to notice you, God sees everything and He sees your heart. So, Don’t stop doing good, because that’s what we are called to do. Know that it’s a testament of your character, you doing good, and whatever they do, if they thank us or not,it’s down to them, but you’ve done your part.

And don’t forget to be thankful to the people around us. The unspoken heroes, the people who may not get praised on the TV, or who people may forget to thank.

Just be grateful everyday.  Be kind, to everybody, and yourself.

I hope this has been an encouragement to you, and has helped you. Thank you for reading and taking the time. I appreciate you,

I hope you have a great day,

God bless you

~ peace, joy & love

TK