Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was,
he became frightened and beginning to sink, he cried out,
"Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him,
and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Matthew 14: 29b-32
It's amazing to me how often I remind myself of Peter... especially as Peter is portrayed in this passage. Not necessarily the act of walking on water, but the all too human tendancy to lose focus on "the one thing necessary."
For the past 2 weeks or so, I've been absorbed in working on the Marianist LIFE program. That, in and of itself, is a good thing. It won't be long before 35 adults and 84 high school students will be together in the Texas hill country for 8 days... praying together, laughing together, learning and growing together. I'm really looking forward to it.
So, how does Peter find his way into this? Well, like Peter, I was starting to get caught up in how strong the winds are...
I have this habit of becoming focused on what I'm doing wrong or what my weaknesses are: I'm controlling, I'm not a great public speaker, I worry too much... am I driving the team nuts by asking too many questions and sending too many e-mails? I should have said such-and-such... or... I shouldn't have done such-and-such...
What's wrong with that picture? It's not about me!
It's all about God and God's ability to work through people who are open to that grace. And if I can stay focused on Jesus, along with the team and all those involved with this endeavor, then we'll be okay. The point is to stay focused on Jesus...
Bring on the water, Jesus, let's go!
Blessings on all who read this!
Sr. N
1 comment:
Asalamalaykom Sister-Friend,
We strong women tend to forget that we don't have enough power. We don't have enough energy. We do it all and then feel like we've done too much.
I honestly believe that our once-a-month time of weakness helps us remember that we are very human and fragile. No matter how strong or capable we are, we must rely on God to get through.
Before starting anything new, Muslims says, "Bismallah," which meansIn the name of Allah,". It's like we dedicate the new effort. When we ask for God to be a part of our work, then we take the smallness of our egos out of it.
I trust that your efforts will be done with the best of intentions and success, God willing, will happen. Have fun!
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