As Mary DeMuth concludes Chapter 5 of The Wall Around Your Heart, she states that because Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father, His actions model how we are to “navigate the infested waters of heartache”. It is important for us to maintain a minute-by-minute realization that Jesus dwells in our hearts and loves to direct us. Only Jesus can make the kingdom of love come alive in our hearts.
Mary then provides several example on dealing with the aftermath of pain. The following are particularly pertinent following our ministry downsizing or vocation loss:
1. When people question our abilities, rather than getting angry or defensive we can do what Jesus did- stay rested. By staying utterly receptive to the Holy Spirit, our responses will be enlivened by the Holy Spirit- perfect for every situation.
2. When people reject us, we can’t reverse the situation or force them to love us. But we can be comforted that Jesus walked this “particularly painful path” before us.
3. When people betray us, we can choose to believe the best even when the worst is known.
4. It is necessary and important to grieve our ministry downsizing or vocation loss. Mary notes that we grow because of grief. Grief not only deepens our walk with Jesus, it causes us to rethink the way we live our lives. Grief, Mary states, is a “gift wrapped up in a terrible package.”
Today’s question: Which of Mary’s examples is most relevant to your vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Earthbound or heavenward?”
