by Caitlin Parsley on July 25, 2020
As these special and undoubtedly strange months as a VIP intern come to a close, I am cherishing the “little nosegay of devotion,” as Frances de Sales would say, that I’ve gathered up.
It is such a beautiful bouquet reminding me that the little things make the biggest difference; silence is sacred and healing; being who you are and being that well glorifies God; childlike spirits are possible at any age; wisdom listens first, loves next, and speaks only if necessary; fellowship happens where the food is; living Jesus looks like open doors and open hearts; and prayer is not passive but powerful.
| The little things make the biggest difference | Silence is sacred and healing | Being who you are and being that well glorifies God |
Childlike spirits are possible at any age |
| Wisdom listens first, loves next, and speaks only if necessary | Fellowship happens where the food is | Living Jesus looks like open doors and open hearts | Prayer is not passive but powerful |
The list could go on and on. That being said, the simplest lesson that has stuck with me is this:
One day, after our usual book discussion, Sister Karen said that she had something to give me. She quickly went into the kitchen and returned with a huge smile and a little peach. While it was just a small piece of fruit, it was given with great love and care.
It might not always be fruit, but we all have opportunities to share the small things God has given us. Francis de Sales said it quite succinctly when he wrote, “Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.”
Sister Karen and Caitlin Parsley at the beginning of Caitlin’s internship (VIP)
What little occasions for serving God are before you today?
While enjoying that sweet peach, I began to ponder the spiritual fruit God grows in our lives (Gal 5:22-23). Out of gratitude for all God has given us, we have the opportunity to generously share our fruits, both peaches and love, with the world around us.
It is no coincidence that back in February, for my VIP mission statement, I wrote about sharing fruit. I believe it was the Spirit speaking over these months and guiding my mission. I wrote, “My goal is not self improvement but spiritual fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. These fruits are to be shared and multiplied as I practically live out my love for God and His people.”
In a world consumed by selfishness, overwhelmed with scarcity, and wounded by sin, the simple and small act of sharing fruit has the potential to love, heal, and change our world.
It is already happening, one peach at a time.