Sometimes I Want What Mary Had

In her book, Celebrate Every Day, Shauna Niequist wrote:

“I will confess that sometimes I want what Mary had: I want an angel, and I want an assignment. I want can’t-miss-it clarity, a special purpose, the certainty that I’m on the right path, doing the right thing, and that it matters.”

In my early widow days, a friend’s husband was settling into Alzheimer’s. Once a week, I took him for a country drive or a walk along the river, which allowed my friend time to run errands and keep appointments.

This joyful, child-like man exclaimed over horses pastured behind white fences, snow-covered mountains, jet streams that soared high in an achingly blue sky.

I’m pretty sure those walks and country drives did me more good than they did him.

During that widowed season of loss, I made the choice to notice others who were hurting—to see if I could lend a hand or drop off food—which went a long way toward my own healing.

I can identify with Niequist when she wrote how she wants, “can’t-miss-it clarity, a special purpose … and that it matters.”

I think God gave us a longing for purpose and meaning. There will be large assignments from time to time, but oftentimes our calling will be comprised of the simple things right in front of us.

Mailing an encouraging card. Meeting a friend over coffee with a fine-tuned listening ear. Baking pumpkin bread for a shut-in. Providing transportation for someone who doesn’t drive. Simple, lovely ways that make a difference in someone else’s day.

Here’s a cool thing: We get to help God write purpose into our stories by the choices we make every day.

Back to Shauna Niequist:

“Is it possible that your divine assignment is your actual life right now? Is your angel a child who needs extra care, a neighbor in need of support, [is  your assignment] a song that begs to be composed, a painting that right now is just a blank canvas?”

Who you are, and how you use your gifts … it really matters.