|
Day 9
And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people, and cured them. --Mark 6:5 Sometimes no matter how hard we try, no matter how faithful we have been, no matter how much dedication we have shown, no matter how selfless our motives have been, our work does not succeed in the way we had hoped. It may be that others do not appreciate us, or do not believe we are able to perform to their expectations, or are jealous or envious of our commitment to the work we have been given. When we experience such denigration or dismissiveness of our work, it feels like our very reason for being has been sliced by the sharpest scalpel, leaving us weak and raw. We can even lose our desire to work because we do not see any reason for continuing to give our time, energy, and inner integrity to something that seemingly has so little value. Even Jesus experienced that pain when people were unable to receive the work he came to do. But it was not his work that was to blame. It was, rather, the inability of others to be open and receptive to that work. When we feel a lack of longing to continue our work or we are tempted to lessen our energy and commitment to our work because it is not appreciated, that is often because we blame ourselves for some deficiency in our work. Instead, we need to recognize the truth that we cannot predict or ensure how others will respond to what we do in this world. But we can be true to the tasks that are given to us, and trust that our offering will be utilized and honored by the heart of heaven. O God, it is enough that I give myself to the work you have given me to do and leave the results to your great wisdom. These meditations by Renee Miller first appeared at explorefaith.org Please use the share button at the top to share with friends and loved ones. Thanks!
|
|