When The World Demands Too Much
I woke up to the sound of a knock at my door. My Mom came in to inform me she wasn't feeling well and couldn't prepare breakfast. I nodded and drifted back to sleep. When the time came for me to get ready, I thought about staying at home to take care of my mom but I brushed it away, as guilt seeped through. I can't afford to miss work. I have to finish my on-the-job training as soon as possible. My classmates have already ended theirs and I don’t want to be left behind.
Being a student trainee has been both a challenge and an adventure although quite possibly an energy drainer too. When I was ready to leave for work, I checked on my mom and noticed that she was suffering. She asked me if I could stay in the morning and work in the afternoon shift instead. I agreed but in the back of my mind, work and expectations were thumping their loud noises of pressure, pulling me away and making me feel guilty for choosing my mom. I stopped on my tracks and realized the amount of importance I have given my work. How did I get here? How did I become so absorbed with the demands of the world that I was willing to choose it over caring for a sick loved one?
It made me think how horrible it can get when we lose track of what's truly important in life. At that moment, if I forget about expectations and looked at things at a bigger picture, it was more important to stay at home, take care of my mom and accompany her if she needs to see the doctor. However, it was hard to believe that the choice I made was okay. Somehow the world kept shouting I wasn't doing the right thing. It kept pulling me to join in the rush and forget about love.
I whispered a prayer, “Lord, I am going to take care of my mom and I will trust you to take care of the rest.” I trusted God to fight my battles for me. I chose to spend my time on a valuable moment. Eventually, my mom got better and I made her happy. I am not saying work is of no value, but in moments of need when the battle rages between work and love, please consider choosing love. There will always be plenty of work to do in this world, but the people we love won't always be here.
I thank God for giving me this realization. I am not failing life because I chose a single moment to love and care for someone. As Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
My identity doesn't lie in being a student. I am made up of different parts. A beautiful tapestry that God has woven filled with different responsibilities always coupled with a choice. I belong to a larger community not just subject to a small cubicle.
My heart is at peace. At the end of my life, I know I will look back and I may not even remember the piles of work at the office, they may become insignificant to me but the memories of comfort and happiness I gave to others will always leave a mark on my heart. That’s a life worthwhile one that is spent loving with no regrets.
Scripture References﹕
John 12﹕8
Romans 12﹕2
Proverbs 3﹕5-6
3 comments
Beautiful, Rachel! Thanks for the reminder of what matters most in life, and thanks for pointing us back the truth!
REPLYI think when the choice is caring for a family member or going to work, we won't regret choosing family. Or at least I haven't. It's not always the easiest choice (work and paychecks are necessary after all), but life changes quickly and sometimes the best choices are the most difficult.
REPLY"Choose love." This is a beautiful post, Rachel. Life is ultimately about relationships. That helps me keep a healthy perspective of my work. You are storing up eternal treasure when you invest in relationships.
REPLY