As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God – 1 Peter 4:10
“Do you ever feel empty when we close the doors. Like you wished to have done more?” Jeremy asked. “Oh yes, I did, when I first started working here. Turning people away because we didn’t have more food to give out was a tough pill to swallow,” Natalie declared. “What changed?” “I came up with a prayer that’s tacked on my wall. I read it each time I walk in: ‘Lord, humble me to serve the people you send my way by being an example of You. But never to believe I am You.’ It reminds me of my role, and I’m able to leave this place knowing I’ve done my best.”
While his name may only be recognizable due to the movie about his heroism, Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jews from death camps, regretted not having saved more. It’s in a scene from the movie Schindler’s List that captures his inner turmoil when he repeated: “I could have gotten more out,” despite being consoled by: “Oskar, there are 1100 people who are alive because of you. Look at them.” Instead of appreciating the good that he did, Schindler focused on his limitations.
In this climate of economic uncertainty, it’s easy to become distressed and overwhelmed. When the demand is so great, one can feel burdened by the needs of those around them. Which makes it important to remember your role, distinguishing between what you were called to do by God and what only God can do.