Called to be Holy
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1 Peter 1:15-16
But as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
Yesterday I had one of those days at the daycare center where I work when I asked myself repeatedly “What am I doing here?!” I won’t go into too much detail, but imagine a room full of three-year olds who have not been able to play outside for several days because of the cold and/or rain and who are getting all worked up because it’s almost Christmas. Add to that combination the fact that they are only three years old and they don’t yet know how to handle everything going on in their home lives, in the world, with each other . . . . Even the children who normally are fairly compliant, helpful, easy-going and quiet were absolutely over the top!
O.K. That was probably more than I needed to say. There were some other mitigating circumstances in addition that didn’t involve the children, but I won’t go into any detail about that. I guess you could say I had a melt-down of sorts. Holy is not how I was feeling for about 2 hours of my day yesterday! I know you’re thinking you can’t really relate. You may even be wondering why a woman with so many years of experience as a skilled, high-powered administrator, manager, small-business owner, and a vast array of other business experience would be working in a day care center teaching three year olds in the first place.
First, I had many more “melt-down” type days when I worked in the corporate world. I had worse than melt-down days! Second, I love children. That’s the part I forgot yesterday. I truly, absolutely and completely love children, passionately, completely, without exception. I am
called to be with them, to teach them, nurture them and love them—passionately, completely and absolutely. Yesterday I made their challenging, frustrating, “bad” day about me. I am the adult. Oh, yeah! I am called; called to be holy; called to rely upon Christ and His patience, His love, His mercy, His peace.
His love.
You shall be holy. Convicted! I thank our loving God for His grace. Life is so full of challenges and frustrations. A former pastor and spiritual mentor often reminded us “Life is hard, but God is good.” In other words,
“But as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." Be holy wherever you are. Be holy in whatever circumstance you find yourself. Be holy. Be like Christ. See with His eyes. Listen with His ears. Act with his hands. Love with His heart.
Today I have a new attitude—amazing what good night’s sleep will do for you. Quite a bit of time in reflection and prayer make a tremendous difference as well. I highly encourage both. Yesterday I forgot my calling for a little while. Today I’m going to try to live into it. I trust in God’s grace to sustain and guide me. I rejoice in the gift of eternal life won for me by Christ on the Cross. Today I will try very hard to be holy, because He is holy.
My prayer today is that you are holy in all your conduct. And that you remember Jesus who was holy, even on the Cross and unto death.
Mary
