To a lesser to degree it's the same feeling I used to get on Christmas Eve when I was just a "lil bit." That anticipation of KNOWING that as I crossed the threshold into the family room where the twinkling tree awaited that I was certain there would be a "surprise" wrapped and ready with MY name on it, especially chosen just for me! (I digress)
Anyhoo.........I knew before I left that there was a blessing waiting for me under that steeple and I was excited to go. We arrived a little late, and had little time to "settle in" before the teaching started...but that was NO matter. I was right there with him..my heart beating in unison with his words, scriptures and parables. IT WAS JUST FOR ME. It was a true "AHA!" moment.
Pastor was teaching about what our Lord looked for when choosing those key people who would serve alongside Him as He ministered. The value and importance of choosing people of proven character to work alongside and replicate efforts. He used Peter as a clear illustration of what our Lord looked for in a "leader."
As Pastor laid out the lesson............ it all seemed instantly clear to me...what he was trying to convey...how Jesus operated with His 12 chosen............where my strengths and weaknesses are.....
I found myself asking if I had been alive during that time and had been evaluated for Christ's New Testament time ministry would I have been considered?....why? or why not?
Pastor Gerald laid Peter's character and giftings out very simply...........
He reminded us that Peter was annointed to preach the Gospel...that was what Peter was CALLED to do.
He then pointed out that Peter both enjoyed and was successful in his vocation as a fisherman....that was what Peter LIKED to do.
But then he zeroed in on the fact that when our Lord met up with Peter he was involved with the boring and repititious task of washing and mending nets.
I have never washed or mended a net but I am sure that it was at least as fufilling as folding laundry or cleaning bathrooms...two chores that are way down there on my career task list. Pastor's point was that when Jesus came upon Peter he was not amidst the fame and glory of a lucritive catch....he was not leading his countrymen into the gates of eternity....he was doing what was responsible, he was doing the thing he GOT to do so that he could do what he liked and what he was called to. He was being "grown-up" enough to follow through with the mundane and unfamous.
My mind started immediately clicking as it sprung into action disecting my own heart, thoughts and motives and I immediately came to the realization that He was speaking to me about my job.....the revelation since has made powerful changes in my performance and my attitude! Just what I had been praying for!!
It is clear...........I am CALLED to reflect Christ, to learn, to teach, to disciple, to grow with our callers and through our callers I am happiest in my vocation when I am in the center of just such situations.
I LOVE and have daily opportunity through my job to help hurting people who are overwhelmed and worn out. In no other place do I find the same satisfaction and fufillment that takes place in my heart and my spirit when I am able to offer someone an effective "emotional" cool and refreshing dip at the well in a parched and battle weary state.
But daily I must admit I grow tired and grumpy with the steady stream of callers who only want to blame and complain about other people, places and things. The long line of victims who want to broadcast their plight, solicit sympathy and then build a permanent dwelling place in the hopelessness. It is with these callers that I fight and fail daily to listen attentively, offer a kind word or respond with respect.
During Pastor's sermon the light went on in the dark recesses of my brain and I realized that loving and listening to the unwanted and the unlovable and making no immediate appearing difference is what I GET to do.
The realization was both refreshing and empowering. Putting my shoulder to the plow with these challenging moments will yield fruit in the field in another season!!!
What is it in your life that YOU GET to do???????
