Start with the Necessary

Dad and I loved Francis of Assisi. He is one of my favorite people. One of the quotes I love is, “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” I love this reminder. I think this exemplifies Jesus. He walked with people; he lived, worked, engaged, loved, and listened to people. He touched people others shunned. He ate with the outcasts and the unlovely. He went to the backwater towns and the wilderness. He spoke with authority, compassion, wisdom, and healing. Then the miracles came, good wine, restored sight, restoration of what was crippled and broken, the forgiveness of sins, and ultimately resurrection. As I put this to practice today, I must start with a heart full of love, a mind full of gratitude, and a mission to do the necessary tasks God has placed in my life. Laundry, emails, cooking, mealtime, all necessary moments, become filled with joy which opens possibilities of meaning, connection, and communion, which bring the hope of unexpected miracles.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13