WHERE NOT TO FIND GOD

We will discover our true selves as we patiently simmer in communities and relationships to which God has called us. And we will find God there as well, because if we cannot find God where we are, we will not find him elsewhere. Except for those extreme or abusive cases, if you haven’t seen God in your marriage, in your present employment, in your neighborhood, or in your church fellowship, then chances are you won’t see God in your next marriage, job, neighborhood, or church.

(monk habits for everyday people. Dennis Okholm)

HAITI OR “MY” BIRTHDAY?

This morning, I came across words from Mahatma Gandhi  

“Civilization, in the real sense of the term, consists not in the multiplication, but in the deliberate and vountary reduction of wants. This alone promotes real happiness and contentment, and increases the capacity for service”   

Here is where the rubber hits the road for me. I know that my faith community is planning on raising funds for meaningful ministry in Haiti. It is going to be a christmas push with the tagline, “It’s not your birthday”. In preparation for this I have been talking to my family about what we could do to be a part of this and not make Christmas about us. Although they have been responsive to the idea, we aren’t making much headway other than buying (some would say extravagant) gifts for our kids which is sure to take away from funding Haiti. I am so conflicted about this. I read Gandhi’s words and I want to kane myself. The “me and mine” mentalility is yet firmly planted in my soul… I will talk with my family about this again and see if we can’t redirect. I am going to need their help in deliberately reducing my wants and learn, yet again, what it means to be content resulting in the freedom to serve.