Throughout the year when I look out my kitchen window into the backyard, I’m often reminded there’s more work to do—even though I feel I’ve already done a lot. Currently, I see the need to rake and clear out winter debris soon to prepare for the next season. (Didn’t I just do that for last season?) In fact, I just purchased many heavy bags of a nutrient mix to spread over the lawn in a few weeks. It seems there is always another step to take; always preparations needed; always more work to do.
As I was thinking about this ongoing work, I recalled a phrase a spiritual mentor and dear friend often shared with our faith community: “The work is hard.” He didn’t share this to scare us or discourage us from being people of faith. Though the work can be hard, this was an invitation to encourage our strength, grace, and compassion to grow. It was an invitation to fully embrace our faith, to live and share the hope of the Gospel, and to be active and dedicated members of the mission…of the Body of Christ. Sharing and living the Gospel, making choices that are of God, and being faithful in our trust in God during moments of hardship and despair can be hard work. But it is good work, and it is the ongoing work we are called to do. The work, even when it is most difficult to carry out, is joyful and hopeful and life-giving because it is of God.
We are just a week away from Lent. As we journey alongside Jesus during these upcoming weeks of ministry and mission, what steps do we need to take to truly follow Him? What preparations do we need to make to ready our hearts? Let us pray that with open and prepared hearts, and in full faith and trust, we joyfully answer the call and welcome opportunities to do the ongoing work of God and share His hope, love, and promise.
Stand firm and do not be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile. (1 Cor 15:58)
Journeying to Grace 