Motivation - Why Do We Do What We Do

I've been wondering why we do what we do, i.e. what is the motivation for what we do.

It all started when I asked someone if they could do something for me. They agreed and so, as is my nature, I responded with enthusiastic gratitude. Admittedly it was probably a tad over the top but you know that's me. Unfortunately, this did not appear to be well received and it made me question myself.

Should I change who I am and tone down my enthusiasm and positivity?
Should I not take the trouble to thank people when I'm genuinely grateful for their help?
Should I start being more cynical about other people?

Having mulled it over a little, I think not. I may now be a "politician" (still makes me chuckle, I mean, me, seriously?!), but I'm still determined to be me.
For the most part, I'm friendly, kind, generous, loving, compassionate, enthusiastic, hard working, caring, genuine, loyal, faithful, thankful and passionate about serving others to the best of my ability. I'm saying these things about myself admittedly but they have also come from the perception of others.

Just to be even handed I am also very impulsive, impatient, loud, over dramatic and have a tendency to be a bit giddy but that's me. Oh and probably my biggest fault is believing that I can change the world and assuming that everyone else cares as much as I do!

I will not compromise on who I am, so if people have a problem with that then ... whatever!

In the meantime why do I get involved in some things? Generally, I get involved because something touches my heart. Someone may tell me an anecdote about what they do which just gets me and then I will do all I can to help.

I go to work initially because I need the money and I have bills to pay but it goes deeper than that. I love my job because I get to be a part of something massive that helps 1,000's of people. There's passion, faith and belief there.

I am aware, however, that there are some people around who do things with less than pure motives and I just hope that even though I'm in politics, I'll stay true to who I am and to my principles.

Thank you for reading - you're fabulous!

There are no atheists in a trench

I was recently asked why I go to Church. I was on the spot and I found it hard to answer honestly.

We were having a conversation about weighty matters but it wasn't the time or place to really go into detail and I felt as if I'd given an evasive answer.

I think if the question had been asked about why I go to Church years ago, it would have been easier to answer. But since my youngest daughter was born 18 months ago with Down Syndrome, I've got to admit that I have felt so battered and bruised, that I find it hard to answer.

I often go now because it's part of our family routine but getting us all ready and out of the door and to church on time is stressful.
I go because I am accepted for who I am.
I go because I am a part of an incredible family and when one of us is hurting or going through a tough time, we help one another.
I go because when I went through dreadful things in my life, people were there to lift me up.
I go because I can contribute and help others.
I go because my eldest daughter loves to go and be in a worship environment and sing praises to our God.

But most of all I think, I go because there is tremendous power in all of us joining together to love our God, serve his people in our cities and be the best that we can be. The power of love of our God for his people, of us for our God and the sacrifice of Jesus for each of us is tremendous.

It still sounds like a woolly answer but below I've posted a link to a video of our church in Bradford. (We also have churches in Belfast and Leeds too).

This video was taken from a programme which aired in the USA when our pastor Charlotte Gambill was speaking about our church. It's powerful and makes me cry because my eldest daughter is on it. I, and the people who've known me a long time, know what my husband and I have been through and how powerful it is to show that we made it through and we're raising our family in an incredible environment of faith, hope and love.

I hope the link works.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn5VOjF9V_I