Matthew 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a child, whom he put among them, 3and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
I currently work as a teacher at an elementary parochial school, so there’s a lot of talk about God. We go to chapel every day. We say our prayers before snack. But work is work, and even in a position at a religious institution, seeing God in what I do isn’t always at the forefront of my mind. In fact, a lot of the time, my “to do” list is at the front of my mind. 1.) Prepare next week’s lesson plans. 2.) Make photo copies for the math test. 3.) Laminate the work that needs to be hung outside. 4.) Prep for the science project that requires paint, glue, reusable jars, string….. that is often what I’m thinking about when I’m not in the middle of a lesson. Then, all of a sudden I’ll feel a tug on my sleeve to get my attention and just as I’m getting ready to feel frustrated that my mental list making has been interrupted, I feel two little arms wrap around my waist. No one has a question, no one’s tummy hurts, someone just wants to give me a hug. Someone giving me something I didn’t ask for, something unexpected. And in this moment I feel unconditional love for me simply because I am me. And that’s when I see God.
In serving them, I’m serving God. And when I think about work like that, it doesn’t make it feel so much like work.
Chrissy Ensley
For reflection:
When have you been “surprised by grace” in the workplace?
What gets in the way of maintaining a spiritual center when you are engaged in work?
In what ways are you serving God through your work?
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