Monday, September 7, 2009

Much

I was in the park the other day when I saw a middle aged gentleman sitting rather quietly.

All of a sudden, he started waving his hands frantically in the air, and then began hitting himself in the head. This outburst was followed by 20 seconds of laughing, and then silence.

As he repeated this sequence a few more times, I realized he had some sort of mental or physical disability - or both.

I don't know about you, but when I see someone like that I get a huge knot in my stomach, followed by a giant tug at my heart.

The huge knot is my conscience raining perspective down upon me - reminding me how fortunate I am.

The giant tug is God reminding me of Luke 12:28:

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;
And from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
"Much", of course, is a relative term. But the fact that I am typing this blog, and can read all of yours, pretty much means I am in the "much" camp.

Which means I've got work to do.

God, please help all of us to be your vessels here on Earth; to use the unique gifts you have given us to promote your Kingdom.

God Bless.

6 comments:

Gabriella said...

This passage always reminds me of the parable of the widow who, with her pittance of two small coins, revealed a generosity of spirit far exceeding that of the Scribe who could have done more. She had done the best she could. No one can expect more than that one gives of one's best. Her story represents a challenge to all of us who regard ourselves as religious people. It is expected of each of us that we give of our best - our attitudes within the family; our work relationships; our recreational relationship. How true, Michael, what you write makes an urgent appeal to all to examine our attitudes and, where necessary, to lift our game.
Thank you.

the booklady said...

What Gabriella writes about our best is SO true! At least Michael you saw and heard that man. So many would have looked away, failed to hear, or pretended not to. Working in retail as I do, I meet all kinds of people. It's interesting to me to see how different customers react to each other, especially to those with difficulties, weaknesses, problems ... not necessarily something even as significant as physical nor mental disabilites. Children and the elderly provoke/irritate some people. It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1:26-29: 'Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.'

We are certainly called to do much, but for starters Michael, you saw and heard that man. Being aware of those around us, praying for them and treating them with courtesy and respect is already very, very much!

christopher said...

I'm sorry to inform you that you've been tagged at my blog. You're supposed to thank me, I think...

Cinzia said...

Hello Michael - I clicked on your name in Gabriella's blog, and lo and behold here is yet another wonderful and inspirational blog!

I have so much to read and learn from all you remarkable bloggers - they have become my daily routine of learning and praying.

Thanks !!! You and your blog are definitely in the MUCH category. Keep up the great work.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

I have seen similar reactions to my children who are visibly handicapped. Once, when my daughter was three and had just gotten long-leg braces and crutches of which she was quite proud (now she could stand and move vertically like everyone else and not have to be in a stroller and pushed), we went to McDonald's to celebrate the braces and how well she was able to handle them immediately. A lady there simply stared at her unremittingly. I think she was having the kind of reaction you describe. My daughter noticed it and with a bright smile asked her, "Hi, Lady. You like my braces?" That broke the ice, and they began a conversation. But it took a child to do that, a child with greater self-acceptance than many, if not most, adults. (She is 33 now and still has that level of self-acceptance. Perhaps it is because she has always known -- and I don't know where the knowledge came from with atheists as parents in her young days -- that God loved her.)

Anonymous said...

Great post Michael! I think we could all do more to make our world a better place by being aware and taking care of the vunerable in our society. There are so many people who need us and sometimes all they want or need is a kind word or a smile. A simple smile is a beautiful gift most anyone can give to another. Thank you so much for such an inspirational post. I hope you have a blessed day.