Too often in our busy, results-oriented culture, our significance is synonymous with what we do. Or worse, what we produce. Is our vocation big enough or impressive enough? Do we make enough money to allow our families to enjoy the luxuries we think they deserve? Are we happy in our daily work? When we answer “no” to these questions—and many others like it—we may begin to question our significance. We may begin listening to the numerous other loud voices from our culture—the media, politics, or even the church or well meaning friends—that slowly convince us that we are not as significant as those who can answer “yes” to these questions.
The well known Catholic Priest and philosopher Fulton Sheen once said,
“Nothing is more destined to create deep-seated anxieties in people than the false assumption that life should be free of anxieties.”
Life is certainly full of anxieties. We do not all have seemingly big, impressive vocations. We do not always make enough money to allow our families to enjoy the luxuries we think they deserve. We are not always happy in our daily work.
Jesus did not promise that our lives, even once we decide to follow him, would be easy. In fact, he promises the exact opposite. He also promises that we are significant. That we matter. Regardless of anxieties. However, Jesus’ promise often comes to us a “gentle whisper” (see Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19)—a whisper that is not as loud as the many other voices in our culture.
Therefore, it is paramount that we have opportunity to slow down, be quiet, and consider the voice that reminds us that we are indeed significant. This happens at Laity Lodge Family Camp. However, it can happen in our daily lives at home as well. If we slow down, if we are quiet, if we give the “gentle whisper” some room.
Questions to consider:
Cary Hendricks, LLFC Sr. Director
