It has been about a week now since I returned from a mission trip. I have been trying to put into words just one of the many amazing things I experienced on this trip for you but have been distracted and unfocused. So today, I'm trying again.
I want to tell you about the sisters. Specifically, two sisters-twin sister sisters. These two women captured everyone's attention-even those who didn't get to interact with them. Their stamina, energy and sheer dedication and pride in what they do was an inspiration to all.
Unfortunately, I was one of those that didn't get to interact with these amazing women except for a few quick moments. However, about midweek one member of our group made a comment about their work that caused me to step back and really examine how I approach things.
The comment paraphrased: Did you notice that there is no mulch and there is no weeds either?
You see, these elderly sisters, have as their responsibility the care of the monastery grounds. This is their ministry. How easy would it have been for them to put down mulch, to let the leaves fall on the grounds or to let little things go...but they didn't. Their attention to the details is an expression and reflection of their love for God.
Sometimes when I have taken on responsibilities-I took them on for the wrong reasons. Sometimes I took them on for the right reasons, too, but when I have done things I hoped were serving God and not myself-now I wonder what more I could have done? Did I give my best or take shortcuts? I'm sorry to say, I don't like the answer I would give.
To be a true reflection of God through the use of our gifts and talents we must be willing to go the step beyond our own understanding and abilities because that is where God shines through us-and is no longer just a reflection. It is only possible to do this with God's help. That is what can make a simple task a true ministry of love.
I am home now...and as I look at my real and spiritual gardens, I see many weeds that still need to be pulled. It is a difficult choice to avoid the way of the mulch and there are many challenges to getting at the weeds but with God's help-I will try.
Will you?
Very thought-provoking. I think we all need those moments to stop and re-examine what we are doing and more importantly, why we are doing it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this--so much so, that I have revisited it a couple of times and probably will continue to come back to read it again. Your insight is remarkable.
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