A reflection on Philippians 2:12-18 for Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time.
I agree to help and then spend the next hour explaining how much trouble it is. Yes, I can pick that up for you. Yes, I can make the extra stop on the way home. But in my mind everyone needs to know that I had other plans and the traffic will be terrible.
By the time I finish, the person who asked might be wishing that they had asked somebody else.
Paul’s instruction to do everything without grumbling catches my attention today. I would like credit for doing the thing. Surely a little commentary on my part should be allowed.
On the other hand, I know what it feels like to receive help from someone who resents giving it. I start apologizing for needing anything. The task gets done, I feel like I have caused a problem.
I don’t want Mama to feel that way in my home. She may need something at an inconvenient moment. I might be tired. If an errand really needs to wait until tomorrow, I can say so. What I ought to watch is the sigh that makes her feel guilty as I respond.
Maybe I am grumbling because I have agreed to more than I could manage. I need to take responsibility for that. My initial cheerful “Of course!” is immediately followed by complaints. It is OK to say no sometimes.
Other times, I could manage perfectly well. I just want a witness to my sacrifice. A small audience would do.
Paul also says God is at work in us, helping us desire and accomplish what is good. I need help with the willingness as much as the errand. I can ask the Lord to help me manage my resentment before I hand it to somebody who only asked for a favor.
The next time I agree to help, I’d like to give a simple answer. If I need to explain a limitation, I will. Then I can get on with it and let the traffic be terrible without issuing a full report.
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