(extra)Ordinary

So in my quiet times this fall, I've decided to read through the book of Acts. I figured it'd be appropriate to meditate on the beginning of Christian ministry as I myself launch into my own. And, though I've only gotten a few chapters in, God has already had a lot to say to me through the story of His church.

This morning, for instance. Over my cereal and coffee, I read the second half of Acts 9. Where Peter travels around the country and heals a paralytic and raises a woman from the dead. Pretty extraordinary stuff! I don't know about you, but so far my pastoral ministry has not included such miraculous encounters. 

But before I let myself sink into ministry-envy, I noticed something. The woman Peter raised, Tabitha; she was always doing good, helping the poor, Acts tells us. All the women standing around her deathbed were wearing clothes that Tabitha herself had made! Tabitha didn't heal anyone's sight or give anyone the ability to walk. She used what she had to serve God in simple ways. She was "ordinary", yet the impact she made on people's lives was anything but.

So, I prayed that I might be ordinary like Tabitha. Sure, I'd love to witness with power like Peter, but I think I need first to serve with humility.

And wouldn't you know it, not 5 minutes after I arrived at church, a woman from the Sewing Circle came to me and said that their tables had not been set up and the kitchen was a mess. *SOMEONE* needed to take care of this. So me and Pastor Larry went downstairs together, and did the ordinary work of heaving tables and wiping down counters.

And I could rejoice because I know that's exactly the work Tabitha would have been doing. for my part, it's ordinary. It's Jesus that makes it extra....