December 2, 2015

A Beautiful Reminder

This anonymous poem is a beautiful reminder of the fact that it  
is not all about me!  (Where did I get that idea, anyway?)
It's a constant battle to die to self, isn't it?  But, oh so necessary. 
My heart is blessed and challenged each time I ponder these thoughtful words.

I would benefit from revisiting them often. 

"When you are forgotten or neglected, or purposely set at naught,   
and you do not sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight,   
but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, 
THAT IS DYING TO SELF.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed,   
your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed,  
and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart,   
or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence,  
THAT IS DYING TO SELF.  

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder,   
any irregularity, any unpunctuality, or any annoyance;   
when you stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance,   
spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus endured it, 
THAT IS DYING TO SELF.


When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation,  
or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation,   
when you can truly love to be unknown,  
THAT IS DYING TO SELF.

When you are content with any food, any offering,   
any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude,  
any interruption by the will of God,
THAT IS DYING TO SELF.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, 
and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, 
while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances,
THAT IS DYING TO SELF.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature 
than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, 
finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart,
THAT IS DYING TO SELF.

Are you dead yet? In these last days the Spirit would bring us to the Cross. 
"That I may know Him...being made conformable to His death." Philippians 3:10

Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound,
Christ, only Christ, no self important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of "I" be found."

Author Unknown

With Love,
Camille


**Photo courtesy of Calvin ~ 
Thank you my love.  XO

12 comments:

Nikki said...

That is perfect. Something I have thought a lot on these past few months.

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

Your son's photography is phenomenal!!

I enjoyed reading this poem, through, as well.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I needed to read this last night but read it this a.m. I was in grump mode. Yes, more silent than usual and thankful for that. Thanks for sharing this poem. Yes a good thing to revisit poems to bring oneself back into perspective in our Christian walk. Hugs, my sweet friend!

Claire said...

Wow. Calvin's photograph is breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Calvin's photo -- My goodness... It's beyond words.... Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Beautiful work Calvin!

Have a lovely weekend!

Mitzi

Camille said...

Nikki ~ It's been a blessing to my heart over the years. It's so true, isn't it? Hugs! :)

Bevy ~ Thank you SO much for your kind encouragement to our Calvin. He will be blessed by your words. Hugs to you. :)

Becky ~ We've all had our *grumpy* times....hang in there! I hope you enjoy your *staycation*...I am sure you will make the most of it. Hugs. :)

Claire ~ Awww...thank you SO much! I will share your kind words with him. Hugs to you! :)

Mitzi ~ Thank you for your sweet encouragement to our Calvin. He will be pleased. Blessings to you! :)

With love,
Camille

Patty said...

It is hard to dye to self, is it not? So much for God to work on still even after so many years. A well timed reminder in many areas.

Esther said...

A good read and a timely reminder! Thank you for sharing.

Camille said...

Patty ~ SO difficult! But, you are right...it is the Lord Who does the work in us...what a wonderful comfort! Hugs to you. :)

Esther ~ It's one of my all-time favourites. Hang in there my friend....you are doing well. XO

With love,
Camille

Sandy said...

Dear Camille,
This poem spoke to my heart, oh the LORD is gracious.
Thanks for posting this, it came just in time for a great reminder.
Perfect for this season.
Hugs to you!
Sandy

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Good stuff and yes, excellent reminder, especially considering the season. Thanks for posting, my friend!

Camille said...

Sandy ~ It's one of my all-time favourites. So glad it was a blessing to you heart my friend. Big Hugs! :)

Jackie ~ Thank you for stopping by....it's always a blessing to hear from you. Hugs! :)

With love,
Camille