The Spoiler

WARNING ** The following post contains a spoiler for the movie Sister Act **

I trust that you all know me well enough by now to know that I do not consider myself any more amazing than anyone else. I don't think I need to remind you of my many shortcomings, although you are welcome to go here to read them.

But... in fairness to the great feats my friends have undertaken to make sure I know this... yes I do know that there are some of you out there that think I am amazing.

Today, two people commented on my amazingness. (I still feel guilty writing a post about how amazing I am). The first was a 'just because'comment from a friend who wanted to be sure I knew how she felt. The second was in appreciation for my calmness in calling an ambulance and relaying information this morning at church when a little baby stopped breathing. The baby is now fine, the breathing difficulties were a reaction to reflux.

So, for the record, I accept your compliments and, though I do not feel worthy, I believe that you feel this way and I thank you. But here's the spoiler - it's not me!

Have you seen the movie Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg?

Remember the shy nun Sister Mary Robert who had the tiniest little voice and Whoopi got her to sing amazingly well? Well, guess what, it wasnt her singing! Wendy Makkena was acting and her songs were sung by Andrea Robinson!

Its a spoiler for me, because that was one of the great themes in the movie, how she was able to find that inner talent/beauty and make it shine. I know that some of you see things in me which you think are great. And I do pray that you will see in me something that inspires. But I have to share with you the spoiler - it's not me!

Paul says in Philippians "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose". Not only does God enable me to do what I do, he even gives me the desire to do it! I could do nothing without Him. Seriously! I might be a good actor, but I would be off beat and off key without His Spirit in me.

If you see any hint of love for the unlovely, if any glimpse of joy through sorrow or stress, if any peacefullness during calamity, if any patience in trying circumstances (you might have to look a bit harder for that one ;), if any kindness to those who are nasty, if there is any goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self control, it's not me!

And I know I said it last post, but it will remain true for all that's left of this time on earth. It is only through submitting our lives to Jesus, through reading the Bible, prayer and by God's work in us, that any of those things can be real in our life.

So thankyou, I appreciate your applause, but all credit goes to the One behind the scenes that gives Life to the performance.