So, I was reading this book; and to provide some context: 

Some friends were on a flight to a destination out of the country. And they were discussing which seat was better – the aisle, middle, or window. And the girl was explaining to this guy how much she lovesss the window seat and why. However, she was currently sitting in the middle seat and mentioned she often gave up her seat for her friend. So naturally, the guy was confused as to why she would allow her friend – who hated to fly, who also took sleeping pills to avoid being awake during the flight – sit in the window seat, if she in fact loved it so much. She proceeded to explain to him that it was because she wanted her friend to be more comfortable while she slept, which would also avoid her friend’s head from falling on the shoulder of a stranger or in the middle of the aisle.

And his response to her was: “Do you always make it a habit to sacrifice things that make you happy for the comfort of others?” 

Chileeee. When I say that hit me like a ton of bricks … 

And it’s funny because just earlier that day, my mom was telling me that I need to stop worrying about other people’s happiness and focus on my own. She was trying to convince me that even though being selfless is good, it is in fact okay to be selfish sometimes, and to put myself first. 

See … lately, I’ve been realizing how every time I have to make a decision, I start to list all the consequences … not for me, BUT for everyone else. And it hit me that I sacrifice my happiness, A LOT, for the comfort of others. I protect and value their feelings more than my own. And perhaps, I do these things for the sake of keeping that relationship. For the sake of being a good person rather than evil spirited. Like if I’m somehow selfish at that moment, God would be mad at me. 

And yes, helping others and being selfless can sometimes be a positive sacrifice in the eyes of God. But I’m learning that God would not want us to sacrifice our own happiness and well-being, to our own detriment, and for the comfort of others. He would want us to take care of ourselves FIRST. 

And while helping others is definitely a part of God’s plan … you taking care of yourself is also a part of that plan. And having faith is about trusting God. Trusting that He will allow you to help others without putting your happiness on the line. Your happiness matters to God too. And while on your faithful journey, you (we) have to learn to balance self-love and the act of serving others. We don’t have to sacrifice our happiness to walk with God. 

TAKE AWAY: God wants ALL His people to be happy, including you!