boomaranging the kudos

my friend and former coworker, mark, left me this comment, which is worth sharing:

My reflections from still being young in ministry have brought me to this conclusion: We can choose the easy way or the hard way.
The easy way is about me or the kids (or the church). The hard way is about Jesus.
The easy way is serving my ego. The hard way is serving others.
The easy way gets bitter and cynical regarding people's actions. The hard way sees hurt and fear and a need to be loved in others.
The easy way is desired and hated. The hard way is not desired yet respected.