I’m just coming off a whirlwind weekend, having performed in a musical after a mere ten rehearsals. When I was initially asked to fill this role after changes in the cast members’ availability, I didn’t hesitate in saying, “Yes.” Not because I was so eager to sing on my own in front of an audience (frankly, that terrified me). But because I knew I’d be surrounded by friends who would cover any mistakes or slip-ups, without judgement or animosity. I knew these people were good.
Good to fail, good to be vulnerable, good to just be myself. And what do you know, it was everything I dreamt of and more. Did I embarrass myself at times? Absolutely. Was I ever fearful of not being accepted or forgiven? Not once.
Which makes me wonder: do I make people feel good? And I’m not just talking about within the realm of community theater…
Do I make people feel good when they’re grieving? When they’ve had their hearts broken? When they’ve lost hope? Am I a soft place to land when pain and suffering and shame are at large?
1 Corinthians 10:24 says, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
How often do I directly reject this by choosing my own good—or rather, my own comfort, my own gluttony, my own ignorance—over others?
Thankfully, I’ve been on the receiving end of some pretty incredible goodness-givers. I only pray that the next time I’m faced with choosing feeling good or doing good, I’ll go for the latter. And let Jesus take care of the rest.
Food for thought: When was the last time someone did something really good for you?
Rachel Fisher 