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Recycling and People-Pleasing


I didn't realise it would be such a source of happiness and celebration until it happened...this week we've FILLED our recycling bin!!! I was pretty chuffed at how "eco" we are as a family - and I admit I am getting a bit obsessed about putting all the paper and cardboard into it.
But then I read these words in a chapter called "I am a People Pleaser" in my new favourite book* "So, for those of us who live to please, life has become a road fraught with anxiety and disappointment. If people don't like us, we can't seem to get happy.
Take, for example the garbage man. I would like him to think that I take care with the garbage. Or that I'm a good recycler...So if I feel this deeply about what the garbage man thinks about me, what about the people that I actually come into contact with?" And it hit me there and then that I wanted the (unknown) bin man to be pleased with me and with my recycling efforts. My motives had been exposed.
Like Paul, I really want to live for the approval of the One who created us:
"I'm not trying to be a people-please! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant" Gal 1v10
* "All I need is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans"by Susanna Foth Aughtmon
And if you gave me a copy (by leaving it on my seat at Church last Sunday evening) then THANK YOU X
However, If you have lost your copy because you left it on a seat at Church last Sunday evening and someone (me) swiped it, then SORRY - and I will return it! x

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