Most of us are basically good people; we’re not serial killers that need to repent and be transformed. We don’t need a 180 degree turn to be a real disciple; instead small changes lead to ever-increasing faithfulness”, Fr. John advised on a writing cruise in 2011.
We get lulled into a rut thinking that we are “good enough” because of the insanely busy schedules we keep and the good we try to do. It must be enough “good”, because there just aren’t any more hours in the day!
But during my private retreat a few weeks ago I had an opportunity to step back and realize that being a “disciple” is a life-long learning process that progresses with small changes; even Paul had difficult struggles with his behavior after his dramatic conversion!
Two friends who I admire recently shared how they honor the Earth. One friend’s favorite prayer is Eucharistic Prayer C in the Book of Common Prayer:
“At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.
By your will they were created and have their being
From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us rulers of creation.”
In order to be a good steward and help “rule creation”, I’m making some “small changes” to be a better steward of God’s resources:
- printing on both sides of paper
- trying not to print at all! I’ve got to trust iCLOUD (and I do back-ups each night!)
- refilling printer cartridges instead of buying new ones
- packing my own Keurig coffee pods from whole bean coffee
- using ½ sheet paper towels instead a full-size, which I waste
- using more real dishes at home and at work; not using disposables except when there is no other option
- using fresh vegetables and fruit from local markets
- recycling all my paper and plastic
- paying bills on-line
- sharing food with friends instead of it expiring or going stale (I live alone)
These are all “small changes” but I hope that they will add up, making me more sensitive to what God wants in my life.
Are there “small changes” you can make? What about in the area of relationships?
If each day you made one small change and told one person how much their encouragement means to you, would that make a difference in their life, and yours?
Small positive changes lead to ever-increasing faithfulness!
Blessings, my friend,
Agatha