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Giving the Best

Posted on 07.03.2013

As parents, we have often told our children to do their best. We encourage them to put forth their strongest effort and with that, we are satisfied. We express the desire to do our best in almost every area of our lives and we are sincere about it, mostly.

But what does it really mean to do our best?  In searching for the definition of the word “best” I found two definitions from Dictionary.com that I liked: ”Of the highest quality, excellence or standing” and “most advantageous, suitable or desirable.” Another definition is “That which is the most excellent, desirable or outstanding.”

In reality, what we do or give that we think is our best may not be so great after all. Perhaps our best may be judged to be mediocre by some, or not good enough, or just plain shabby. Doing one’s best, in other words, is subject to the inescapable judgment and opinion of others.

Many of us wake up every morning with the intention of doing  and giving our best. I always want to give my best to my family—my husband and two daughters. I also want to give my best to my patients—I want them to have excellent and compassionate care. I have found that serving my family with my best is very rewarding, even though it wears me out! In fact, giving one’s best will cost a great deal, as good things do not come without cost. Your best is hard work, but it is worth it. Giving your best brings a sense of satisfaction as you bless others with quality. The rewards that return may not be monetary or tangible.  The reward is what happens inside of you: A sense of pride and accomplishment that you did what you were supposed to do for that day! You gave it your all! As you put your head on your pillow at night, you sigh with relief and exhaustion that the day is done. Your service was outstanding.

Another reward of doing your best and working towards excellence is that it comes back to you. Yes. You reap whatever you sow, more than you sow, later than you sow, as I heard a Bible teacher say from the pulpit (Galatians 6:7). Jesus first told us that. When you give, it will come back to you (Luke 6:38). Whatever you want to get, you must give it first.  So, do not expect to get the best if you are not giving your best self!  Do not expect from others what you are not giving.

Therefore, whatever your best is, whether it meets someone else’s standards or not, do it. Ask God to help you to give your best. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are working for Him in His love! When you set your daily dinner table, add candles and flower petals! Your loved ones will be blessed by your example of excellence, care and love.

I do not know if you liked this blog today, but I did my best—for Him.