Encouraging Treats

Whenever I have free time at home, I watch one of our family’s favorite TV series, Monk. I love watching Monk because of its mysterious crimes and investigations, funny and unique characters, and its wholesome stories.

While I was watching some of the episodes recently, I was reminded of Adrian Monk’s (main character) humility. Even though other police officers would get the credit for his gift of solving crimes, he wouldn’t make a big fuss about it. Also, instead of complaining, bringing other people down, or bragging, he would happily continue to be excellent in his work.

It made me think about how I react whenever I am faced with similar situations. I do admit that there would be times when I would get tempted to dwell on these thoughts: “Hey, I thought of that idea first!” or “They should thank me because I did this and that…” or “I worked hard for this, so I should get that reward!”

But, God reminded me that it was, is, and will always be by His grace and not by my own strength or wisdom. It says in 1 Corinthians 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

This truth also reminded me of a treat that I made at home recently. I was experimenting with some of the chocolate bars that I had and decided to make crunch bowls out of them. The process involved melting the Nestle Crunch chocolate bars, placing them on the top part of inflated, small balloons, letting them chill in the freezer, and then eventually deflating the balloons to separate the crunch bowls.

After adding the fruits, ice cream, and fruit shakes in the bowls, I served them to my family and, by God’s grace, they appreciated the refreshing treat!

While we were eating the crunch bowls, I remember delighting more in the balloons than in the edible bowls. Even if the balloons weren’t part of the dessert, I appreciated their usefulness and aid in making the melted chocolate become bowls.

In the same way, God encouraged me, at that moment, to continue being excellent in what I do for him because he sees the best in me, he has great plans for me, and he cares for me. Even if others won’t notice or appreciate the efforts I make, even if I am given “only” small tasks, and even if I would always have to ‘work backstage’, I am encouraged to do great things by His grace and for His glory.

My mom texted me this lovely quote five years ago and it continues to encourage my heart: “Whenever I feel unappreciated and discouraged, I make my mind dwell on God’s promise: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…’ [Colossians 3:23-24]. Let us focus on desiring the applause of God rather than of men. If someone appreciates us, consider that as a bonus. :)”

In the TV Series, they didn’t explain why Adrian Monk continued to stay humble and modest even if others got the credit for his work. But, the examples of Monk and the useful balloon that I worked with were definitely awesome reminders for me to be faithful in my work and to trust that God will always know what is best for me.

Have a blessed day!

Encourage yourself one treat at a time. :)