Detached from Outcome

Oh how often we are attached to the outcome of our actions. What I mean by this is that we tell ourselves that when we take an action, do something for someone, try our hardest at a project that it must turn out the way we think it should or someone has got to notice and give us thanks. When we are so attached to the outcome and things do not happen like we think they should - this is where most of our anger, frustration, sadness, dissapointment, and "low self-esteem" come from. A much better way to live our lives is to be detached from outcome. This is so hard for us to do! We want so much to be noticed for what we do and even if we act like we do not want to be noticed, we secretly do. We think to ourselves "it would be nice for someone to say something," or "does anyone really notice what I do?" This is attach to the outcome of the actions we take and the circumstances around us. Jesus told us about this and gave us instructions regarding detaching from the outcome of things.

"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. "When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. Mark 6:1-4

I love the words "quietly and unobtrusively" in this passage. How often do we really help out that way? Today I do not want you think of other "actors" you have seen be so attached to the outcome of what they do, but rather think about how much you are attached to the outcome of what you do. Notice when you are wanting someone to notice what you have done at work, at home, or at church. Allow yourself to let go of that expectation and just be happy that you have been able to serve. Allow God to notice because this is the way that we truly become servants to others and to God. It just does not matter what happens when we take actions to help others, perform our jobs, or give to others at home or church. What does matter is our attitude and the reason that we take these actions. Do we take them because we love what we do and that is all that matters? Do we take them with the specific notion in mind that someone must notice? I know that if we are truly detached from the outcome of what we do, we will recieve everything we have ever wanted! It is the nature of God's kingdom:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Namaste'