A Lesson Learn(ing): It’s {Not} All About Me!
First of all, it is a lie. As adults we know that world doesn’t really revolve around us, no matter how much we want it to. To pretend that it does is denying the truth…and when we communicate this to our children, we are lying to them as well.
Secondly, it prevents us from moving into a more mature developmental stage. The “It’s All About Me” attitude is considered to be part of Piaget’s egocentric developmental stage, which we should have mostly overcome no later than age 12. Even six-year olds can put their own interests aside for a while and “walk” in someone else’s shoes.
Finally (and most importantly), it goes against everything that God expects of us.
I love that phrase…”For I am among you as one who serves.”
Selfishness is a huge struggle for me. If I’m honest with myself, I admit that I am an extremely selfish person. And it makes it even harder when the society we live in condones it! I don’t want my children to think this sinful behavior is “okay” because they see me exemplifying my own selfish ambition day after day!
I’m semi-dreading the next few weeks because our “sacred” family time on Saturdays will be nonexistent for the next 3 weeks. Prince Charming has commitments and I’ve got a bad attitude. “What about me? When do I get a break? What about our family time?” are all questions I’ve asked Prince Charming this week. Just typing this out makes me disgusted with myself. No wonder I feel like my house is in disorder, I’ve been a little too consumed with my self…
My prayer this week is that God will help me to get over myself, stop whining, start having a thankful attitude and most of all, start thinking about others before myself! Because after all, it’s not all about me…
LOVE this post. Really. I'm reading it during nap time (x3 littles) and am thankful you listed verses for readers to refer to. My husband is in the Navy, frequently leaving us to do his job. He deploys for extended periods of time, leaves for schools and it's always disrupting our family time, my childrens' (4,2,9mos) behavior, and my attitude. Like you, I will find something motivating (in the evening, when I can think) and try to FREQUENTLY remind myself over the course of the next few days.
James 3:16-17 really resonates with me, especially the first line. Thanks so much for this!
I love your blog and refer to it often! Last week I started the sight words game with my 4.5 year old and was amazed how quickly he picked them up!
thank you for this! perfect timing for me, God always seems to find a way to put me in check and today it was through this post!!
THANK YOU!!! I so needed to read this today! You have been a blessing to me! I enjoy reading your posts and getting ideas for teaching my 5 yo and 14 month old. The 11 yo girl enjoys playing the games with the 5 yo too! Thank you, again!
Every time I print something from your blog, or use one of your ideas, I am so thankful for that time that you take and the willingness you have to share your talents. Thank you for your unselfish acts in these manners!
All I have to say is a big fat AMEN! I agree wholeheartedly with what you said. Great post.
Don't be so hard on yourself, I can see from all you do with your children that you are not selfish. You are a loving mom!
Fantastic post, your words made me self-reflect. Thank you. I needed that! :)
I'm cringing with you! Wonderfully stated.
Goodness, this has definitely been me these past few weeks–struggling with a bad attitude and a complaining spirit. Thank you for putting this struggle into words that certainly resonated with me :)