the work He needs you to do

 

 

“Do whatever falls to your hands,
in your circle and in your situation–
and believe that this is and will be your true work;
nothing more from you is expected.
 

It is a great error to think that you must
undertake important and great labours,
whether for heaven, or, as the progressives think,
in order to make one’s contribution to humanity.
That is not necessary at all. It is necessary only
to do everything in accordance with the Lord’s commandments.
 

Just exactly what is to be done? Nothing in particular,
just that which presents itself to each one
according to the circumstances of his life,
and which is demanded by the individual events
with which each of us meets.”

- Theophan the Recluse

 

Dessi sent me a link to a recent post which spoke deep into my heart. It is a grave temptation to assume heavy burdens never meant for us.  Ironically, assuming those burdens often causes us to neglect the work that was set aside for us specifically. What we consider virtuous often becomes vice for us this way. This is a lesson that I have had to relearn many times over the years.  

A similar message from Elisabeth Elliot:

"...the ordinary transactions of everyday life are the very means of transfiguration. It is the common stuff of this world which, because of the Word’s having been “made flesh,” is shot through with meaning, with charity, with the glory of God...

"So if you wish that you had time to be holy, remember that you have to love God first, love your husband next, and love your children thirdly. And of course, your neighbors and your enemies. Come down from the mountain of vision with all the urgency of the love of Christ, and do the work He needs you to do."
 

Today I am keeping these words close, reminding myself that these many chores are both exactly what I should be doing and "shot through with meaning."

Comments

[Jeannine]

Thank you for sharing this wisdom. I needed to hear it today, and I visited Dessi's to thank her.

Enjoy your day, Kim.

[barbara]

Thank you. I think more than a few of us needed to hear that. +JMJ+

[Ellie]

Kim, this is what I needed to hear, to be reminded of, reassured by .... Thank you so much for sharing :-)

[Kimberlee]

Amen. I do love Dessi's way with words, and Elisabeth Elliot. I think I need to get the Theophan quote on paper to keep in front of me. AMDG

[Dessi Jackson]

Wow, I love Elisabeth Elliot's words...how beautiful!!!! Thank you for sharing my post. How amazing the way of the pilgrim mother is, no?