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Essay of the Week |
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In the name of God, The Father, |
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Need a bag?
For the record I am all for organized ministry. Large or small, local or world-wide, I believe in them. That being said I also believe much of our Christian service dwells in the simple and seemingly mundane details of our lives.
For example, I have started a one woman ministry at my local dog park. Let’s call it the “two-bag” ministry. Instead of packing one bag for my walk with my dog, Flash, I put two in my pocket. This way when I encounter a dog doing his/her business, with a perturbed bag deprived owner standing guard, I have a spare to offer. As a result, the dog owner doesn’t have to walk back to the bag dispenser and then try to remember where Fido left the deposit, or worse just leave it there for someone to step in – ugh!
I have rescued many dog owners in distress and they are always grateful. I am the Fairy Godmother of the dog park, no the Wonder Woman, no the….okay I am the Bag Lady but people do appreciate it and recently I discovered the profound impact little gestures such as sharing bags can make.
On the first lap of the park one afternoon I encountered a man sighing heavily and questioning his dog’s lack of good timing. Out came my extra bag and I received a hearty thanks. On my second lap I passed the same man who greeted me with “That was really nice of you to give me that bag.”
I replied that I could relate to his need having been in similar situations (prior to the two bag ministry of course). He continued that, without my help, he would have had to scoop up the waste with his bare hands and carry it to the garbage can.
“That” I sympathized “would truly be a bummer”.
“It’s an even bigger bummer when I go around “high-fivin’ people afterwards”, he lamented. I am 83% sure he was serious.
So, you see, ministry comes in all shapes and sizes. We are wise to remember the gifts of The Spirit described by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians or by the prophet Isaiah are not conclusive lists. This Pentecost season set some time aside to consider the gifts you are already sharing with the world, how you may expand upon them and thank God for them. Open yourself up to receiving more gifts of The Spirit and to celebrating the gifts in each other.
Remember, a seemingly small ministry can have a meaningful impact on a person and the people he high-fives.
Peace.
Julie Davis
Julie is a mother of three and religious educator who writes to clear her mind. Luckily for readers of Faith Reflections Julie needs to clean house often! Julie looks forward to your comments at julie@faithreflections.com. |