Life as Pouring Out

Sometimes in my work, I wonder if I am doing the thing I'm called to do. Is there something missing, or am I missing something?

Looking at Jesus' life, I see that he was a carpenter for many years. Not exactly a high-profile job. Small corner of town, fixing an oxen yolk here, making a chair there, nothing big. And this is the Son of God mind you. Perfect in all respects. And he's working in wood: not the governor, not running a major business empire, not a rabbi of repute. A carpenter.

When he did start his public ministry around thirty, there was the wear and tear of travel, people hounding him, schemes from clerics, etc. Not quite a laugh a minute. And at the end of it, he was tortured, then executed ignobly. Hmph.

Maybe work is not about pursuing acclaim, or about doing what makes me feel happy all the time. Maybe I should focus, as Christ did, on a life poured out. In my work, am I giving my best to those I serve? Am I pouring out my life in my volunteer activities? To my family? And above all, to God?

When I look at life this way, it seems a little brighter, because it is easier to give away than to pursue. And I don't have to worry or focus on whether I am getting the right things out of life, I can just give whatever I have away.

"And he said to them, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.'" (Mk 14:24 RSV)