One of Life's Little Lessons

I have to admit to something. But, maybe before I do, I need to briefly go over our current sermon series. The series is entitled "Unself" (gotta love the age of "make your own word"), with the main point of showing us, through Scripture, practical steps to get over ourselves and start focusing on the main thing--God. Needless to say, for someone who admitedly struggles with selfishness, the series has been convicting (and, in some areas, confirmation of previous thoughts/ideas. I'm slow sometimes.).
That being said, I am going to relay a brief story that happened recently. I passed on some news to some friends that I knew would make said friends happy and give them an opportunity to connect with another person. This situation would also allow others the same opportunity. When I passed on the information, I did so out of a pure heart, wanting to see my friends encouraged. I even offered to help make this event happen. However, as time passed, "self" reared it's ugly head and threatened to adversely affect my relationship with these friends. Much prayer, biting my tongue, and more prayer prevented anything manipulative from being said (like, hey, I helped you out, why don't you pass on the blessing...). Instead, I chose (and it wasn't easy) to look at the situation from THEIR point of view, not mine, and saw that what was going on made much more sense than what I wanted to happen. And, it turns out, that I was blessed in so many more ways than if what I had wanted to happen, occured. Huh. Go figure.
I say all that to say this: when we step outside of ourselves and GIVE of ourselves, even (sometimes) in the trivial, God will take that situation to bless us in ways we couldn't even imagine.
Father, I know in the big scheme of things, this little situation probably doesn't amount to a whole lot. But I do know that You have reached my heart, taught me many lessons, and blessed several people in the process. Thank You for being patient with me as "self" moves out, leaving more room for You to move in, to fill, and to bless. Thank You for being a loving God who knows EXACTLY what we need, when we need...even when we think otherwise. I know this is a small example of Who You are, but thank You, Lord, for revealing this nugget of Your goodness, grace, and mercy.