I am an incredibly selfish individual. I’m reading a book, written by Dr. Larry Crabb, about how we go about changing in a meaningful way, and one question continues to stump me.

“Identify three actions you have taken this past week that have shown love for others and have been completely selfless.”

Okay, that’s easy. Three? I can think of…umm…well, I can think of…none. I was ashamed because after several days of reflecting on the past week, I had to leave that question blank because I could think of nothing that I had done that was completely selfless.

Let me give you some examples. This past week, I invited three of Lexi’s friends over for her birthday slumber party. Yes, Lexi absolutely wanted to have the slumber party and enjoyed herself immensely and will have fabulous memories with her gal pals, but in the corner of my mind, I also knew that I had wanted to do something on a smaller scale for this year’s birthday because it was easier for…me.

There were four play dates this week, and while I know that I scheduled those so that Lexi would have other children to play with and not be alone as an only child, I also admit that it had to do with my wanting to have some free time. Otherwise, I knew I’d be her number one companion, and I wanted to read a book…or four.

Even when I prepared dinner this week, the thought came to mind once that I wasn’t really hungry and wished my family would fend for themselves on days I don’t want to eat. A friend asked for my help on an assignment, and I was happy to help, not only because she needed it, but because I needed it. While I love being home this summer, I was starting to climb the walls, too!

To my hubby, my daughter and my friends-I am sorry. I really do wish I could just do something and not think about myself at all. Can I blame it on this book I’m reading? It challenges me to question my motives behind every action in order to acknowledge my own selfishness. Oddly enough, it’s not intended to cause guilt. I just felt convicted by it because I know how often I think I’m being altruistic when, at a deeper level, there’s a benefit to me.

But I love that this is a new day, a new week, and I get a do-over.

What about you? Can you think of one thing you did last week that was completely selfless?