Major in the Minor
My gratitude journal entries often begin with random expressions of thanksgiving. On this cold Saturday morning in February, I wrote these words. “I want to major in the minors.” I am not sure why this phrase suddenly surfaced in my thoughts, but it caused me to record a series of questions.
Could these words in some manner be related to humility?
Could they be a nudging message to shift from lofty aspirations? These may include breaking a glass ceiling, reaching for the highest rung of the corporate ladder, and pursuing a specific position, title, or certification.
Don’t get me wrong, all of these pursuits certainly have merit. Many were created and called to serve in high-ranking levels of leadership. Scores of people were destined from birth to remove barriers that have stood in the way of equality and justice. Many are called to entrepreneurship. They lead in various areas of the marketplace. We need their God-given gifts and certainly applaud them for their service, sacrifices, and hard work. However, some are not called to high levels of leadership but rather to support those who are.
The idea of “majoring in the minor” reminded me of my own journey. I have reached for positions and titles that were too lofty. They were more than I was equipped by God to handle. But I reached anyway because I chose to listen to the corporate world’s voice rather than the voice of God. The failures, closed doors, disappointments, and dissatisfaction led me to inquire of God.
He led me to this Psalm.
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore” (Psalm 131, ESV).
These words of a shepherd boy turned king resonated with me. They compelled me to examine my heart and the direction of my life. Since then, some aspirations have been laid aside. I have gotten off paths where my feet did not belong. I have learned to let go, and I am becoming increasingly satisfied with simplicity.
I leave you now with the final question in my journal.
Could it be that we need to minimize the long list of what we want to do to maximize the list of what we are called to do?
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright© 2021 Phyllis A. Clemons
PHYLLIS A. CLEMONS 