Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Greatest
I think the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven live quiet, simple lives. The Greatest rest in the validation of God’s love; they don’t need their profession, wealth, or fame to claim their significance. The Greatest spend time drying dishes and making the bed. The Greatest don’t worry about their impact for the Kingdom or whether their life’s work is all it is cracked up to be. The Greatest rise early, bow on their knees in silent reverence, and then take the dog out for a walk. The Greatest serve their spouse, family, and friends in a matter of quiet humility. The Greatest delight in trusting God. The Greatest pray for the Least, those in the Kingdom straining their necks to be noticed and validated by what the World – or Religion - might offer. The Greatest take time for simple pleasures, like a cup of tea on a Saturday morning, or an early run in the park, or perhaps a tiny moment to listen to the whistling wind. They know these are worship moments. The Greatest look out for the poor and pray for opportunities to clothe, feed, and visit. They do this in secret. The Greatest aren’t Known in the World. They are like Children.
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4 comments:
I love this. It's so familiar to "The Little Way" of the Carmelite mystic, St. Therese of Lisieux. She once referred to the spiritual "greats" as roses in the garden of His kingdom. But then she thought about it some more, and the Lord revealed this to her: "ALL the flowers He has created are lovely. The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. I realized that if every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness and there would be no wild flowers to make the meadows beautiful."
Indeed, there is something profoundly beautiful in humility, littleness, simplicity, small things done with great faith. It is so beautifully expressed in the Magnificat, where Mary praises the Lord for scattering the proud in their conceit, and lifting up the lowly. I think it was St. Teresa of Avila (another Carmelite mystic) who said "God lives among the pots and pans." He loves among us, and can transform the most mundane of tasks into means of growing in intimacy with Him. What a mysterious God!!
this was beautiful.
Can I come live with you for a week and just have you as my mentor, Annie? You are so beautifully wise....
Kelsey is my Greatest. She is the least among us--but will sit in a place of honor in heaven. Her sacrifice and willingness to take on this life as God gave it to her humbles me daily.
Well-written Annie.
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