Save it for the end

There was a comic (and I can't remember his name), who, after delivering a joke and the audience began to clap, would say, " Don't clap now, save it for the end!" Of course, it incited more laughter. He kept the audience in a state of joy throughout his gig.

I like that saying - "Save it for the end," because it speaks to me of how we ought to live our lives. Many people want immediate affirmation for their accomplishments and deeds. In fact, there are those who demand it, and if it isn't forthcoming, they are miffed by the silence. The ego is a selfish animal. It feeds on flattery and applause. It loves the spotlight, and can easily become "needy" for the flattery and applause, sometimes to the detriment of the successes and deeds one has accomplished.

What is the ideal way of being in the world?  Everyone has a purpose, and if you haven't "discovered" your purpose, then just living is your purpose. For those who are abundantly gifted, purpose comes easily. The artist, the musician, the doctor, the EMT, the professional athlete, all have found joy in what they do. Your personal joy  comes from fulfilling your prupose. It is just as easy to find joy in a simple life, not living in the spotlight, but rather, simply fulfilling the needs of the day. God is happy with that as much as the famous writer or spiritual teacher who astounds his/her audience.

As we go through life, let's not get wrapped up in the glitz and glory, because most of us won't experience it. Just do what brings you joy. Just do faithfully and wholeheartedly what you're being asked to do at the moment, even if affirmation and applause are not forthcoming. By so doing, we serve the purpose for which God has placed us here.

What is important is that we live our lives with joy and determination, and save the lauds for the end. When we finally meet with our father/mother God, we will be loved and applauded by the One whose reaction matters most. The only thing we should want to hear is, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Learn more about your ego and you:

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose  by Eckhart Tolle