HARD WORK AND WEAKNESS

HARD WORK AND WEAKNESS

A friend of mine wanted to become a deacon in our parish. He attended my classes, one among many, being pulled by the Lord, to learn more about the faith. How excited he was, going through the interview process,waiting for the acceptance letter. The mailbox remained empty, bringing tears to all of us knowing him. We offered our words of comfort, not understanding, upset that this outstanding man in our community was turned away.

This gentleman was discouraged, but he did not stop believing in what God gives, nor did he turn away from his faith. He did not dwell in what was not, feeling there was something else in store for him. We prayed with him, asking our Lord to lead this generous, committed,somewhat quiet man toward the path he should take on his spiritual journey.

Within weeks, my friend began talking a new community project starting in our town, an inter-faith shelter for the homeless. He attended a few of the meetings, quite interested in how the shelter would help many, no matter their background. His eyes had a new look to them, a sparkle of excitement, his voice raising a pitch as he spoke. Those in my class laughed, knowing he was now taking the path he was meant to follow.

We began to see less of him at the once a week class; we knew where he was. I got a phone call weeks later, apologizing for not attending, he had been so busy, going beyond meeting attendance, now doing the labor with others to make the shelter come true. His commitment was now toward the homeless, I told him. I loved having him in my group, but this is where God wanted him. Instead of being a deacon for one group of people, he was being there for a large community. He was too valuable to only be in one place! “Tom's Place” is even what some of those needing help started to call the shelter where he worked, giving his own time and energy, night and day. Hearing this, he grins, but says there are many making this mission a success.

If it were not for the hard work of Tom and those like him, the homeless would be outside in the freezing temperatures. There would be no food to eat , a place to sleep, a place to feel safe. There would be no place to call 'home.' What a blessing it is, for all of those choosing to give rather than to receive.

~Marie T. Morrison~


In everything I have shown you that, by working hard, we must help the weak. In this way we remember the Lord Jesus' words: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:25 (Common English Bible)
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