Week 367

Positive post Sunday, March 10, 2024…. Week 367.  I’ve given this week’s PPS a title, “From Recognition to Relevance”.  I’m the first to admit that throughout my life, I’ve appreciated being recognized for the accomplishments and milestones I have achieved.  Whether it was winning a baseball or football game in my early years, or graduating from high school and college in my mid years, or accomplishing a goal at work during my career, it felt good to be recognized.

Now, with much experience and years behind me, I find it more important and rewarding to recognize others.  As for myself, I have shifted my focus from seeking “recognition” to seeking “relevance”.  So, what’s the difference?  Well, if you simply look at the definitions it will give you some insight.  A dictionary definition of recognition is the acknowledgement of something as valid or as entitled to consideration.  The key word being acknowledgement.  On the other hand, one definition of relevance is having meaning or purpose personally, professionally, or spiritually.  The key words being, having meaning or purpose.  My point here is that I find it far more rewarding to know that something I have done or written has meaning or purpose, especially spiritually, rather than being recognized or acknowledged for doing it. 

When setting goals or considering an action, rather than seeking praise or recognition, I ask myself a few simple questions, Will this be pleasing to God and valuable to His disciples?  Will it have meaning or purpose personally, professionally, or spiritually?

Having this mindset has helped me focus on outcomes and impact rather than seeking validation, acceptance and recognition.  As an example, when I write my PPS each week, I pray and ask God if what I am writing is relevant, not will I get recognition for writing it.  It warms my heart and inspires me to keep writing when someone comments with a specific example of how they related to what I wrote, used it to improve their personal, professional, or spiritual life or that they shared it with someone they felt could benefit from it.  In other words, it was relevant to them.  Mission accomplished!

All my positive posts are now available at www.positivepostsunday.com. 

Where in your life could you shift from seeking recognition to seeking relevance for what you say and do?

How do you seek relevance in the eyes of our Lord?