This is a prayer I found among my mother's things:
REWARD
I'm out of breath, Lord. . .
from going the extra mile
so often
for so many.
My capacity to give feels
drained
washed out
expended
dried up.
I'm tired and I feel cheated.
I guess I want a chance to bask in
praise
recognition
appreciation
even acclaim.
Forgive selfish introspection,
Lord, and needless self-pity..
misdirected, unjustified grudges,
and my complaining spirit.
Remind me that I, too,
make mistakes
let people down,
act on selfish whim,
and disappoint.
Give me the strength to keep on
giving
and loving
and caring
and serving
when no reward is in sight,
and when no one is there to say
thanks. Let my joy be in doing
the unrecognized job.
--Jan Markell
There are many of us who realize that the reward comes at the end of, not during, our endeavors, even though daily encouragement helps us. And thank you to all of you who help me daily.
