Well Done

I reached my step goal one day last week and as I glanced at my Fitbit shooting up fireworks my little device exclaimed, “Well done!”

I smiled. Even my Fitbit knows my word of the year!  “Well.”

Since this word began to draw my attention and gnaw at my soul, I have been focused more on the use of “well” as in water well.  Good image but time to explore a new perspective. Here are a few rambling thoughts about well done.

What is Well Done?

• Something properly performed.
• A thoroughly cooked steak like my mom would always order or as in a degree of doneness. I smiled at this definition as I was pretty upset last week over a disappointment and said to my hubby, “I am done with feeling this way!”  Way “well done” in the doneness department.  Doneness!
• A way of praising someone and saying that you are pleased about and approve of something they have done.

Some insights from others about “well done.”

“Better a little which is well done, than a great deal imperfectly.”  Plato

“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin.

Well done reminds me of the Bible story found in Matthew 25 called the parable of the talents:

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so not I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” Matthew 25:23  NLT

Deep down I really do want to be faithful and someday hear those words from the Lord.

What is the success of ‘well done?” It is more than my Fitbit telling me so. I realize that I do enjoy the fulfillment of completing a project knowing the work was done well. Doing something to the best of our ability is satisfying. Yet I wonder about God’s well done – what is that all about? Divine well done is not my accomplishment. 

Is well done human criteria for success or can I let go of my ego’s desire for compliments and focus only of God?  Give God all the glory? 

I really don’t know so I will leave that up to God for the final decision.  All I know God’s love and grace is enough. I acknowledge that all I have, everything, is a gift from God and I will try to be a good steward of my time, talents, and money. I pray for the Holy Spirit to shine through me to others with kindness, joy, peace and always love. I don’t know if my words, actions, and service will ever save another person’s life, but I will be faithful.

And when I am done, arrived at my final “doneness,” may God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Let’s celebrate.”

What do you think about “well done?”