Accountability

Small word, big meaning. But what does it actually mean? Does it mean doing what you say? Does it mean checking in? What does it mean to be accountable and who do you have to be accountable to?

I think about all the people who expect things of me each day: my boss,  my dogs, my family & friends, E. They each expect different things from me whether its productivity, love, care, etc.... Sure it would be easy for me to shirk responsibility and make excuses or justify behavior, its easy to simply say I forgot. And I admit, sometimes, I do it simply because I am tired or at the moment just do not care. However, I am the person who has to stand before Him at the end of the day and be satisfied. I have to look myself in the mirror and be able to sleep soundly at night. I have to be accountable to myself.

When you stop being accountable, you have the power to hurt. Its the decisions and choices we make when no one else is looking that define who we are and who we want to be. Its stopping and thinking, who I want to share this action in public? Would I want the people I care most about to know what I have done? Would my boss be pleased by my actions?

If when you stop and say these words out loud and the red of embarrassment or guilt creeps in then its the accountability monster telling you to stop. Its the inkling inside of you that says if so and so found out they would be upset or I would hurt them. Its thinking is this best for me in the long run or just a temporary Band-Aid to a problem that needs greater attention.

In our society today its easy to not be held accountable. We can hide behind social media, computer, texting and often have little to know human interaction. Its easy to type a text that says I'm sorry, but to he standing face-to-face and admitting we faltered is hard. I admit I do it all the time. I send the email instead of asking in person. I text rather than pick up the phone to say words like I'm sorry.

I think its also hard for most of us to rely on someone else, or trust in someone else to help bear our burdens. We are taught from a young age to be self-reliant, independent, strong-willed. Little girls are taught that to succeed we must be more like men and no show emotion too much. Even little boys are chastised when they cry and are called babies or sissies, as if being like a woman is weak. Even in my own work place I hate to cry. I shut the door, put on a strong face and often succumb to the male-centered jokes when I know its not me. I am not accountable for my actions.

I am the first to tell you that asking for help or telling someone I need them is not my strong point. I have built up a wall that says come no further, the door is closed. I can do all things myself. Blasphemy I say! I can do all things in Him. I can do all things when I turn to those who love and support me. I can do all things only when I admit my faults, my shortcomings and am held accountable day-to-day.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Turn to those you love and trust to hold you accountable for your actions. Share you weaknesses, your shortcomings and allow them to be there to help you in those times of need. We are imperfect and unable to do life alone. Allow others to help you carry your burdens. Be that person to someone else.

{Pretty sure I digressed about a million times during this post. I ramble what can I say, I channeled my inner Hemingway.}

What are your weaknesses? Who is your accountability partner? Do you hold yourself accountable?