What Are You Known For?

One day last summer, I had just reached the corner of my street and turned east when I heard a voice behind me call out, "Where's your little dogie?"
I turned to find a woman in an SUV stopped at the stop sign. "I took pity on her because of the heat," I explained.
She then shared with me that her family regularly took note of my faithfulness in walking my dog. I thanked her and headed on my way somewhat embarrassed and somewhat amused by my "fame."
"I'm known for walking my dog, Lord." I complained with a sheepish grin. "Of all the stupid things." Why couldn't I be known for something - well, something spiritually "sexy" or impressive: being a prayer warrior, leading thousands to Christ, prophesying, etc.? No, I am known for walking my dog. It just seemed so silly.
As I fussed, it came to mind that some people are known for making a really good pie. I know people who are known for giving greeting cards. Some people are even known to be what is called a "pew warmer." What Paul said about different people having different gifts began to take on a deeper meaning. My perspective on what he went on to say about there being a better way: love also began to change. When I walk my dog, I'm loving my dog because I'm doing something that is good for her. I'm loving myself because I'm also doing something good for myself. I'm loving God because I regularly spend time talking to Him or singing praises to Him (in my head with a full orchestral background and sometimes in harmony. )
What I hadn't considered was that I am also loving you (my audience) because it is on those walks, during those discussions with God, that I gain the insights that I share. Likewise, I am loving anyone who sees me walk my dog because my faithfulness in doing so is an encouragement (or an admonishment) to them to walk their dogs, or themselves - and thereby love in that small way.
When we are in heaven, I have to wonder if we will find that there are more people who are known for, and commended for, sending cards, or arranging silk flowers, or always bringing a tasty casserole, or making cookies or walking their dogs, than there are for prophesying, or leading thousands to Christ, or being a prayer warrior.