“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
I celebrated my 67th birthday recently and it coincided with the 27th anniversary of our prayer group. As an organiser, much of my birthday was spent for others. I have stopped wondering about this, as having been born on the feast of St Vincent de Paul, giving has been very much in my spiritual blood. My husband often reminds me that “I do too much!”
The evening before my birthday, as I was paying for my groceries, I was having a conversation with God about my bucket list. There were a few items, including a favourite lipstick, a fine weather for our special event and some personal and family wishes.
In the shop, I noticed a young girl of about 8 years old, in her pyjamas, bouncing merrily along the aisles, singing a tune. Nothing special I first said, but on a closer look, I saw that her head was shaven, and she was rather pale and thin. I would not be wrong to assume she has cancer.
I felt a tug at my heart and became tearful. The mother was not far behind, and our eyes met and just for a few seconds I could read the sadness in her face, although she tried to be positive. The challenge of having a sick child was etched on her face.
On the way to the car, a $50 bill was strewn on the pavement, and there was no one around. I picked it and waited for a few minutes in case the owner comes back after realising their money was gone. I waited for 15 more minutes, but no one turned up. I was about to give it to the girl or quickly buy a toy or doll for her, but they too disappeared. I tucked the $50 in a special compartment of my wallet, knowing that one day I will see the girl again.
I reviewed my wish list – fact is, God gave me the favourite lipstick I had been looking for months on the spot while I was in the shop. It was even on discount, and the only one left on the shelf!
The other wish was for the next day – the sun shone so brightly – no wind, no rain, just a wonderful burst of sunshine! The other items in my bucket list I traded off; I asked instead for that girl’s healing. Compared to her needs, my wish list was insignificant.
On the day of my birthday in the prayer group I was surprised that my sister had a special message for me:
…On behalf of our families who are not present tonight, I would like to wish my sister Dina a very happy birthday today. She is very blessed that she is celebrating her birthday on the feast of St Vincent de Paul. Like this saint, she is an epitome of goodness, kindness and generosity, self-sacrificing and willingness to serve where needed. Without her courage to venture into the unknown in 1984, Rey and I and our whole family will not be around enjoying the blessings of Australia. Together with our brother-in-law Nilo (Boy), they made big sacrifices to give us a better future here. Without her vision, we would not be serving our parish of OLHC, Narre Warren which we have done for the last 35 years. So today and always I wish my sister Dina a very happy birthday. May the Lord bless her with the peace that surpasses all understanding, the wisdom, strength and joy of good health and Divine protection she needs. Here is a poem I dedicate to her …
A Difference
There was once a young man at the beach.
He appeared to be dancing before the waves
breaking on the shore.
A curious Wise man was watching him –
he approached and asked the young man
“What are you doing?”
“The tide brings the Star Fish onto the sand and the Sun comes up and they burn, I am throwing the Star Fish back into the ocean,” the young man replied.
“But young man,” said the Wise man, as he looked up and down the beach.
“There are thousands of Star Fish, you won’t make any difference”
The young man bent down, picked up a Star Fish, looked at it clearly,
ran toward the breaking waves and threw it into the ocean.
He said to the Wise Man “Yes, but I made a difference to that one!”
– Author Unknown
Thank you, sister Dina for making a difference in our lives, in our families, in your place of work and in all the communities you have been serving and especially in my life as your younger sister.
My perspective of serving now is a far cry from when I was younger, when serving meant recognition for the work I did, being paid for it and doing it in my own strength. The glitz and glamour, the dramatic expectations for a job well done were tempting. Today, I don’t go out of the house until I have first bowed to God for His anointing and when the tasks are done, a “thank you, Lord” before I rest for the night completes the day.
Freedom in Christ empowers us to make a difference. We are called to serve one another, guided by love and motivated by a desire to honor God. Making a difference involves using our freedom wisely, avoiding self-centered pursuits, and instead channeling our liberty to serve and uplift others. It is through acts of love and service that we truly demonstrate the transformational power of the gospel. (source: Scripture savvy)
(For comments or feedback, email dinadelfinotlc@gmail.com.)
