The answer might surprise you…

Recently, I was thinking about the subject matter of compensation. Mostly I was praying about something I read that people are now doing that I find disgraceful with regards to working. I won’t go into that now, as that is a matter for another time. However, this whole concept made me think. Just what is compensation anyway? Am I being compensated? What does this mean to me as a “Faith Based” trainer?

Here is the definition of compensation according to dictionary.com:

“Compensation”–

noun

1-the act or state of compensating, as by rewarding someone for service or by making up for someone’s loss, damage, or injury by giving the injured party an appropriate benefit.

2-the state of being compensated or rewarded in this way.

3-something given or received as an equivalent for services, debt, loss, injury, suffering, lack, etc.; indemnity:The insurance company paid him $2000 as compensation for the loss of his car.

4-Biology. the improvement of any defect by the excessive development or action of another structure or organ of the same structure.

5-Psychology. a mechanism by which an individual attempts to make up for some real or imagined deficiency of personality or behavior by developing or stressing another aspect of the personality or by substituting a different form of behavior.

Okay, so that sounds reasonable. But, what about me…I don’t monetize any of what I do so how do I get compensated? Aha…that is a really good question. Let’s pick this apart a bit more.

So how do I do it anyway? Not monetizing I mean? Well, I am really blessed by The Lord in this stage of my life. I have a great desire to help others whenever I can with whatever I have to give. For me I have knowledge and life experience I can give. I feel very grateful to be able to pass this knowledge on to others.

In my younger days, I remember how difficult things were financially to just own a horse. I often felt so dis-included when others would talk about clinics they attended, or a new trainer they hired. I had to work even harder to find the answers, to learn what I didn’t know, and have a deeper passion. However, that personal and financial hardship lead to my wealth of knowledge now, and my desire to pass that knowledge on to others.

As I researched this idea of compensation I naturally turned to the Bible to see what it had to say about it. I was surprised to find so many references to being compensated, or at least, the subject of work. There are three scripture verses in particular that jumped out to me.

“Ephesians 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people“-NIV

“Colossians 3:23-24  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.“-NIV

“1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.“-NIV

I really like the reference to “working for the Lord” rather than for people. This is not to say that God expects us not to be compensated financially, but that the work we are doing is for him. Putting the focus on pleasing God takes the pressure off having to please others.

Now this is where I circle back to the definition #2-“the state of being compensated or rewarded in this way.” For me, everything I do comes back to this very simple truth. I am in “the state of being compensated” every single time I interact with the horses. Every time they come to me in the field and greet me I am compensated immensely. When they give me the slightest “try” when I ask something of them they might not want to do I am compensated. When we make that “once in a life time” connection I am gratefully compensated in so many ways. This, for me, is the “state” of being compensated. All of this, plus that fact that I am working unto the Lord make everything I do worth it.

So, in conclusion, compensation is more than just financial. I would encourage you to take the time to reward yourself with the “state of being” compensated. You’ll be surprised how your mindset can change in an instant with just a change of perspective.

As always, may the Lord Bless you and watch over you.

All my love,
Annie 🙂