As inevitably happens in life, there are times when everyone else seems to be busy, but we have nothing to do. I think what choice we make in that moment is really important. We can chose to fill our time with the distractions of TV, Facebook, or whatnot. These things are not in and of themselves bad, but they really can distract a person from their faith and from life in general (You realize this when you suddenly no longer have access.) OR, you can find little ways of serving God by serving those closest to you. Sometimes that means doing the dishes or sweeping. Is that fun? No. But St. Therese was all about small things with great love. That way, the little action is transformed into a prayer.
I think that especially the Americans come here hoping to serve God in an "exciting" way. But the reality is that we do have to wash dishes because we use them to eat. We do have to sweep, even though it is a loosing battle against the dust. That is just part of life, but it is also serving God and neighbor if we do it with love. It is a difficult lesson to learn, especially when it happens somewhat frequently within a week. I am learning that there is more than one way we are missionaries building the Kingdom of God. Yes, there are talks and groups and retreats, there are one-on-one conversations, there is time to lift our ministries and neighbors up in prayer, there is time for us to be strengthened in our own faith to be able to serve better...but we are just as much missionaries in the ordinary day-to-day stuff. There is a song that says, "do everything you do for the glory of the One who made you." I am not there yet, but I want God to be able to work through me in everything throughout the day for His glory. I pray that we can all grow closer to this goal each day.
No comments:
Post a Comment