July 29, 2020 It was the second time (maybe even the third) I had been told to “stop doing that.” I was with a trusted and beloved friend when a stranger approached me and said, “are you Darcy?” “Yup! I’m Darcy Fargo,” I responded. “I love your column in the North Country Catholic,” the woman said. “It’s the first thing I read when I get the paper.” “I’m glad you enjoy it. It’s my least favorite part of my job. It’s always a struggle for me.” It was my response that promoted my friend to tell me to “stop doing that.” “Why can’t you just say, ‘thank you’ and appreciate the fact that God has given you gifts, and you’re using them in His service?” I was speechless, and that very rarely happens to me. In my head, I knew my friend was right. But in my heart, I have a bad habit of focusing on my weaknesses and ignoring my gifts and strengths. Someone once told me, “the longest journey is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.” While that journey may be a bit longer than 18 inches for me (I’m only a fraction of an inch shy of six feet tall, after all), it still seems like my head and heart are miles apart some days. In my head, I know I’ve been blessed with an enjoyment of and aptitude for writing and language. I know I’ve been blessed with an ability to make connections others might not see. I know I’ve been blessed to have amazing mentors, teachers and supervisors who have helped me develop my God-given talents. But in my heart, I focus on all the parts of my life where I’m weak and sinful, and all the things I could do better. My friend reminded me that I’m selling God short by dwelling on my struggles and disregarding my strengths. God is working in my life. He’s given me gifts and blessings. Ignoring those gifts and blessings is ignoring a large part of how God is working in my life and how I can bring Him to others. It’s being ungrateful. I thought of that this week when I was talking to a very kind woman, and she also complimented my work for the North Country Catholic. I responded, “thank you; the Holy Spirit really helps me.” I’m trying to “stop doing that.” |
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