Serving God In Multiple Ways
It seems as though our yard has enlarged since we moved here 25 years ago. Everywhere I turn, there are tasks that need attention: vines choking bushes; weeds rapidly reappearing; fruit falling from trees (if the squirrels and deer don’t eat it first); and, of course, the weekly mowing. The yard was smaller when four children were home to share the tasks.
Out early to avoid the sultry summer that arrives by 10, I cleared a small, overgrown area near my neighbor’s driveway. An eyesore for them more than us, being kind people, they never complained. As I worked, I enjoyed the quiet – no phone, no TV, no communication of any kind. A perfect time to soak up God’s handiwork. Though, at first, the task seemed a drudgery, soon I found myself enjoying the work and especially the transformation that followed. Originally, I had planned to do a section each day, but within an hour I was finished. My reward was a nicer view for myself and my neighbors, and a sense of accomplishment. Instead of lamenting the job, I had decided to just tackle it.
I think that there is no better advertising slogan than the one Nike introduced in 1988, “Just do it.” If applied in the proper context, that phrase gives us perfect direction. “Just do it.” Do what God intends us to do with our lives. He has daily plans, some large, some small. He calls us to play multiple roles for multiple people. Our task is to determine His directives.
Some time ago, I ask a local pastor, “How do I know what God wants me to do?” His answer has remained with me. “If a certain idea continues to reoccur, you should investigate it. See if the thought has merit.” To that advice, my spiritual advisor added later, “If what you are doing brings you joy, then you have found your calling.”
I never intended to be a teacher. My father was a principal, and my mother was a nurse. As a teenager I wanted to chart a different course, do something more dramatic – maybe become a lawyer or a brain surgeon. Like many childhood dreams though, those ideas met reality, and I decided to major in education. However, after three uninspiring years of teaching in Indianapolis, I concluded that I had made the wrong choice. Fortunately, God had other plans, and through an interesting series of events, I spent 32 fulfilling years as an educator in Diocese of Evansville Catholic schools. That job was definitely God’s plan, and I benefitted from His subtle directions.
Our life journeys begin with small steps, similar to meeting for the first time that person who later becomes a valued, lifelong friend. Every day offers new possibilities. St. Catherine Laboure wrote that each morning she went to the chapel and said, “Lord, I am here. Tell me what You would have me do.” According to her writings, some days He would give her specific tasks and other days not. Either way she then resumed her work, dedicating it to God.
Most of us serve God in ways we are not aware. We support our families. We cook meals, clean house, do laundry, help with homework, drive people to appointments. We take a meal to someone in need, console a friend or family member, read books to children and spend time enjoying our families. Whenever we give of ourselves to another person, we are fulfilling the will of God.
When we recognize and understand this truth, it lightens our burdens and reenergizes us, allowing us to continue His work. Then we are able to examine our days and ask, “What did I do for God today? Did I do it willingly and joyfully?” St. Mother Theresa often reminded her volunteers that cheerfulness while volunteering was as important as completing the task.
Being an enthusiastic Christian is the best way to spread His word. Understanding that our loving service to others is ultimately service to God will help us discover the joy and fulfillment we seek. Because every time we are a servant to another person, we truly are doing His will.
Kristine and her husband Jim Schroeder are members of St. Boniface Parish. They have 4 grown children and 20 grandchildren.
