Thankful Thursday | left hand/right hand secrets

Before we get into our lists, a small theological diversion, which you can skip if it doesn’t interest you!

 

Last week, we talked about Adam Grant’s contribution list idea, and in the comments there was some discussion of Matthew 6, which reads as follows.

1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

A literal reading of this passage would tell you that making a contribution list, at least one that others can see, is wrong.

But I don’t think it’s meant to be taken that way. Consider the verses immediately following:

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

I have not met a single Christian who takes that passage to literally mean that it is sinful to pray where others can see you. Christians pray in front of other people all the time! 

I think if you’re gonna read the first part literally, you are obligated to also read the second part literally, and then you’re going to need to make sure you always pray in a closet. 😉

I think the point is about motivation. If you are doing good deeds just because you want praise from others, or if you are praying in front of people just because you want to impress others, that’s the problem.

But if you make a contribution to the world and you share it with others because you want to share your joy, or you want to share the opportunity with others (“Come volunteer with me!”), that’s totally different.

For instance, I will probably always say something about it when I donate blood.

It has nothing to do with patting myself on the back and everything to do with reminding people about the need and their ability to meet it.

If I talk about it, someone else might be inspired to go donate blood, and a life might be saved.

And to me, that is better than donating blood in secret.

Thus endeth my theological thoughts.

Ok, I lied, one more thing: I am not at all saying anyone should feel obligated to adopt Adam Grant’s contribution journal idea. You do you!

I’m just saying I don’t think this Matthew 6 passage prohibits it.

This week, I am thankful:

that Chiquita usually doesn’t mind if I move her to the cat tree

This is not an ideal situation for me:

This is way better:

that there are 24 days left until the final exam

Ohhhh, we are getting so close! By next Thursday, we’ll be solidly in the teens. Woohoo!

that I had my last lecture and last sim of nursing school

So many lasts right now! I will never have a lecture at this school. Never another simulation. I never have to do another PrepU!

That feels good, good, good.

that I am not in danger of not passing

Barring some wild disaster, I am virtually guaranteed to pass this semester. I may not get my A, but I will most likely pass the class and graduate.

So I can pretty confidently say that yes, this IS my last lecture, and this IS my last simulation.

for a perfect avocado

I ate it sliced and sprinkled with salt and lime juice. SO GOOD.

that I finished my asynchronous class

We have one class this semester that is entirely online, and we are allowed to work ahead. That’s what I did last week, and I got it all done.

So that’s one thing off my plate. Whew!

that I have had some practice recording myself

For the social determinants of health presentation, I have to record a voiceover for all of my slides. And I am feeling lucky that I have some practice with this, mainly from doing blog-related videos, like on Instagram.

Another advantage: I have already gotten over the horror of listening to my own voice. Ha.

that the stair climber has a built-in fan

I actually hate the stair climber (as well as all stationary cardio!) but I do appreciate that the machine has a built-in fan.

It lessens the misery. 😉

for two careers that I enjoy

In a recent James Clear newsletter, he wrote this little tidbit:

The 4 qualities of a great career:

1. I enjoy it
2. I’m good at it
3. I make good money
4. I’m around fascinating people

This reminded me how very thankful I am for my blogging and medical careers, especially the enjoyment part.

I love blogging and hanging out virtually with all of you interesting people.

And I love working at the hospital and hanging out with all the interesting people there. 🙂

What are you thankful for this week?

P.S. Just a gentle reminder before you comment: while I know politics affect all of us, and people need a place to discuss partisan topics, I do not have the time or energy to host a political discussion because it will inevitably become spicy. So, please be respectful of that as you make your lists.

Two places that do have political discussion included with the frugality: Katy at The Nonconsumer Advocate is a Democrat and welcomes political discussion. And Stacy at Humorous Homemaking is openly on the opposite side of the aisle.