I believe that when we immerse ourselves in our passions, we begin to see the world from a new lens.. with a beauty that we otherwise would not have complete access to. We open ourselves up to a spectrum of color that the Lord has designed just for our individual being. We begin to channel a potential, and finally start to grasp why our calling is so essential to how radically we live our lives. Oh, and even more: when we begin to see out of our own unique lens, it is only then that we are able to help others see from our eyes and aid each other in spiritual growth through our individual gifts. May we always remember: we are all parts of one body.
It was a few days ago that I had a conversation with one of my dear friends about the awakening that happens to a soul when it is given to the act of service. As she begins her career in nursing, I expressed to her that this kind of occupation-- working one on one with people-- will enrich one's life and make it that much more worth living. The surprise that can shake us to the very core when we enable our inner being to be connected with the inner being of another. The inclination to serve will not always come easily, and sometimes it is the very fight against the flesh that reaps the benefits that righteous deeds entail. However, if the Savior that came down for us humbled Himself enough to wash the feet of His disciples-- and we are to follow after His example-- we must be willing to wash the feet of one another. Every human has a different gift, but we all have the calling toward service in common, and we must understand that if God gives a commandment, there is a very good reason for it. It does something radical to our souls.
Working at an assisted living center for almost a year continuously blesses me in a way that makes a profound difference in who I am as an individual. Yet, this is something that I feel has little to do with me and much to do with my residents. While all of the other messages that God is showing me during this season are essential, the most profound work that the Heavenly Father is demonstrating is the significance of taking care of one another, which goes hand-in-hand with the bond of relationships. When Christians form relationships with others, it is the ideal circumstance to build trust and therefore serve that other person, carry their burdens, and watch God do a work in and through us.
The little things are really and truly the huge things in life. The most precious things. The most awe-inspiring things. Working in the Alzheimer's unit recently, it was the birthday of one of my residents, and he was turning 90. Now, it is significant to note that this man doesn't usually say much, but on this particular day actions spoke much more than words ever could. As all of the residents were gathered around him at the long table, he was looking out after we sang him Happy Birthday, and he had this smile on his face-- the one that I have grown to love so much-- with tears in his eyes. He may not have known that it was his birthday, or exactly what this event was about, but it was a heart thing. His heart knew that these people-- for whatever reason-- were singing to him. They were looking at him-- they were here for him. Putting myself in his place, I imagine how that must have felt. 90 years is a mighty blessing. Living day after day with confusion due to this disease, and today, his birthday, something different happens-- something beautiful. He is seen, and he is important. He is recognized and loved for who he is, and he is special. This should be the ultimate goal of our jobs and our lives day after day. May every day be a birthday for our neighbors and for our lovers and for our friends and family and for our strangers-- everyone needs to know that they are oh so valued.
If you could only see his smile. That is God's message. Great faith drives great works. May we be compelled by our faith to do good-- to love God and to love our neighbor as ourself.
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." -1 Corinthians 13:1
"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." -2 Corinthians 5: 14-15
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