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“Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.” Matthew 13:16
Roberta has been an inner-city social worker for more than twenty-five years. During her career, she has been spat on, shot at, lied to, and threatened. She has also been used as an instrument of God’s profound love, acceptance, and peace. Quite amazingly, she remains enthusiastic and hopeful through it all. Even the most hardened heart or broken spirit is met with Roberta’s unquenchable and upbeat spirit. When asked how she maintains her positive attitude, she said, “Every day I learn a little more about who God is through the people I meet. It’s like going on an exciting adventure every time I go to work!” She calls these lessons “God moments,” and they have sustained her through some of the toughest of times dealing with people and ?their brokenness.
Roberta’s approach to her life’s work is both humble and wise. She remains open and recognizes her own limitations in the face of sin, suffering, and pain. She allows herself to be used for God’s purposes, to bring his light into some of the darkest places on earth. She leaves the results to him, and because of her willingness to hang in there, God has given her “new” eyes. She has been gifted with the ability to see his face in the faces of others, even those who don’t appreciate or want her help. Far from becoming bitter or cynical, as others might, Roberta has used her daily encounters to enrich and deepen her relationship with God.
This type of grace-filled living is available to all of us as we serve our families and communities. We can remain hopeful in the face of great suffering and enthusiastic when we are faced with discouraging circumstances. We can choose, as Roberta has, to wait in joyful anticipation of the “God moments” that may lead us to deeper and more-meaningful discoveries about the love of God for others and ourselves.
Lord, give me eyes to see you in all the people with whom I come in contact today.
Just for Today: I will embrace my life as an adventure and look for the “God moments.”
I teach in similar circumstances & need to remember the advice in this article. Thank you.