Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Get To Work

For some inspiration on this hump day, here's Grandfather Francis on the job, speaking on a Sunday, but with a prayer germane to any time:

OUR FATHER, we thank YOU for the light this morning. Endure our hearts with gratitude and love for the blessings of the past week, and direct our conversation and daily work through the coming week. Grant that we may render THEE service that will not only give us joy and comfort, but that our example and influence will lead others to love and serve THEE. May we realize and appreciate every day of our lives, that we owe all to THEE and that all good things of life come from THY mercy and gracious kindness. All this we ask for CHRIST'S sake.

Some time ago, somebody at work asked me what it was that kept me in such good spirits, so much of the time. She thought me consistently calm and cool and wanted to know why.

I pointed towards Heaven. "A higher power."

"Oh," she said, smiling. "I thought you did yoga."

I didn't need to go into some evangelical spiel. A few words sufficed and what she knew would fill in the rest.

St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words." 1 John 2:3-6 (NIV) says: "We know that we have come to know HIM if we keep HIS commands. Whoever says, “I know HIM” but does not do what HE commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys HIS word, love for GOD is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in HIM: Whoever claims to live in HIM must live as JESUS did."

We have the job description. Time to go to work.

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