The publisher completed their work on my book, For the Sake of the House: organizational and leadership requirements for the 21st century church. It should be available shortly . . . hard cover, soft cover (paperback), and as an e-book. I’ll let you know where it can be purchased when I have the information.
My publisher sent me a hard and soft covered copy last week for my final review. Although there is a minor change or two I could have made, we’ve chosen not to do any further editing right now – the process has gone on long enough. If you’ve published a book, you understand what I am referring to . . . !
So, what does this have to do with our quest for significance? Let me explain . . .
After receiving the copies, I showed them to someone who has had a significant role in my life for many years. Anticipating some expression of excitement and congratulations, I was surprised . . . actually shocked . . . when the response was “I’ve done a lot of writing and should have had it published into a book.” No congratulations . . . no “I’m proud of what you have accomplished!” . . . no ‘at-a-boy’ . . . nothing! Only comments about their past accomplishments and how their work should have received more acknowledgement.
Although it was disappointing, I admit it was more surprising than disappointing. It struck me immediately how quickly this individual needed to deflect the attention back to them. Their self esteem, their self worth, their significance seemed to demand that the attention be on them and not someone else.
We all want to feel important. We all want others to acknowledge our accomplishments. We all want to be appreciated.
It is a struggle . . .
I learned a lot during this interchange. I trust when someone shares his or her accomplishments or achievements with me I’ll be able to respond appropriately.
It’s really not always about me . . .