Your Life Had Not Been Forgotten
Today’s Message was written by friend Chaplain Bob Griffiths.
One of the most rewarding ministries I have is mentoring young men in spiritual matters. One of them – Victor, who just turned 21 – wrote me a few months ago about a conflict with another young man in the rental house they and six other guys share. I shared with him an excerpt from one of my favorite poets, Austrian Reiner Maria Rilke (1875-1926), who wrote “If a shadow confronts you, casting its shadow over all you do, remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why should you exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don’t know what work they are accomplishing within you?”
Victor’s response? “Somebody was being disrespectful to me today and this quote helps me a lot. Life has not been forgotten. I will continue to do my part and stay focused. I have to deal with my emotions in healthy ways. The sun will rise tomorrow and set in the evening. There is more light and happiness to experience.”
He was still 20 years old when he wrote that! What a beautiful, mature, response. It reminds me to not take myself too seriously, even when unpleasantness is directed at me. God is always there for me – and for you – as it was for Victor.
Let us pray: Lord, grant us eyes that see the wonderful world you have created. As we struggle for connection behind our masks, help us to be honest about needing to be loved. Thank you for a life of purpose and for the good news all around us. May we never take these things for granted. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Bob Griffiths
Bob is the former Chaplain at the Pines of Sarasota, southwest Florida’s oldest and largest not-for-profit senior care facility. Prior to joining the staff in 2010, Bob worked in hospice chaplaincy for seven years. He is the past Spiritual Life Director at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Sarasota and is an Associate of the Order of the Holy Cross, an Episcopal Benedictine religious order.
