Tuesday 28 February 2012
Faithful in little.... faithful in big...
For as long as I can remember, I imagined myself changing the world and accomplishing great things. As a young girl I dreamed of making a difference in other people's lives. And I don't think there is anything majorly wrong with that...
EXCEPT... in the pursuit of wanting to do big things for others we can often miss the big impact that comes from doing the little things. I believe we are called to be faithful in loving the people around us... in excelling at our jobs we have right now... in caring for the hurting that we know. My wise mother has a quote that sums it up... do what you can, with what you have, where you are. The truth of these words make more sense to me today than they did a few years ago. We are responsible for what we do with the talents we have, the money in our pockets, and the people around us!
One of my favorite quotes comes from another wise woman Mother Theresa:
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."
I believe this is true. The things we do that seem small or insignificant can have a huge impact in other's lives. By doing small things with great love, we in fact are doing GREAT things. We have no idea how a few enouraging words, a friendly smile, or a listening ear can make a huge difference in someone's life... and thus by being faithful in the little things.... we will eventually be faithful in the big things too!
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Waves.....
What? Walk on water? Why? What would propel us to get out of the comfortable spot and safety of the boat to follow someone’s invitation to do something risky?
It seems like we hear of very few stories of great miracles in North America in comparison with the things that happen in other areas of the world. But we must ask ourselves: when was the last time that we put ourselves in a situation where we had to rely on more than our own efforts? How can we expect to see the miraculous happen when we are “self-sufficient” (according to our standards)?
Recently I have been challenged with the story of Peter walking on water. It is a familiar story to many found in Matthew 14. In this passage, the disciples find themselves crammed into a boat that is being rocked by the waves. From a distance they saw a figure walking on the water. Once identified as Jesus, Peter called out and asked if he could join him. “Come!” was the response. Peter left his safety to step out into the unknown. He was doing just fine…. until his focus turned to the waves and the wind around him. At that moment, fear gripped him…. And he began to sink. As soon as his eyes focused on his circumstances, his confidence wavered and he lost faith. In the same way when we look at what seems impossible around us we lose our focus on where we are going and fear paralyses us.
The challenge to me is… When was the last time I had enough courage to get out of my comfortable boat to courageously follow? And when I do, is my vision on the waves and storms of the situation around me, or on the One who tells me to "come"?
A dear friend recently reminded me of this powerful saying: "Let Go… Let God!" Let’s let go of the safety of the boat, and courageously walk on water ignoring the waves around us as we keep our focus on the One who holds our life in his hands.
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