Devotional Thought of the Day:

“⁴ Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.”   Psalm 23:4 (TLB)

“From the hidden life of Jesus you must draw this further consequence: not to be in a hurry… even when you are! That is to say, first and foremost comes the interior life. Everything else, the apostolate (the mission), any apostolate, is a corollary”. (1)

I spent the last three weeks, first in Asia, working with churches and missionaries, and then the first few days back visiting some of my people with huge health challenges, a couple on hospice, a man after major surgery, another with a heart attack.  Then  the last two with a small group of pastors, being mentored and taught ways to  help focus our churches in, well – being the church.  A lot of it is simple – to consider the mission of the church, given to it by God, and help people see that being the church is not about Sunday mornings, but in how we all live our lives, every day, in every situation, realizing we are placed here by God.

As I look back over these three weeks, as I prepare to talk about that journey on Sunday morning, this morning these two comments burn themselves into my mind.  I look back on the mission trip, realizing my “best” work may not have been the preaching and teaching times.  At least the most meaningful to me were the times walking with those who guided me around the cities, and shared with me the joys and frustrations of serving God in far off places.  In encouraging them and in praying with the pastors and people I met. Especially when we took time to discuss and share…. over meals, while walking.

King David knew this wasn’t just how we operate best, it was the way God operates – yes – when He gathers us together, pours out His love and mercy and forgiveness, that seems to be the “big thing” of His interaction with us, but that is simply part of the same journey He takes with us – each and every moment of every day.  As He walks with us through that day, sharing with us the things we experience, helping us to see it, not just with our eyes, but with His, as He redeems the time.   As we read with out children at home, or do prepare  a meal with our spouse.  As we are at work, caring for a co-worker who is going through a bad time, as we visit those in the hospital, waiting to hear news.

Each time we minister and serve those around us. Each time we make sacrifices to be there…

It is, as t Josemaria says, a corollary, a parallel action, caused by the interior journey we are on, with the God who walks close to us, with us through life, guarding and guiding us, ensuring that evil cannot harm us, allowing us to dwell in His peace.

Don’t rush, enjoy the journey, even if our short term destination is critical – even if it is terminal – for the hourney itself, it is far more than we think it is.

For we walk with God.

For the Lord is with you!

(1)  Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 2584-2586). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.