Mary Van Rheenen
CBF Field Personnel in Westervoort, Netherlands
I have a double-dose of the Protestant work ethic. My ancestors were Dutch and Calvinist. My mother put in a full day’s work cleaning, cooking, sewing, gardening and all the other things one does to care for six kids on a pastor’s salary. My father was a workaholic, plain and simple. Consequently, I find it very difficult to sit and do nothing.
Yet sitting and doing nothing has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I would set the kitchen timer for 15 minutes, go outside with nothing but a chair and God, and sit. This turned out to be incredibly rewarding. Things shifted into proper perspective. For instance, I realized the well-being of the universe did NOT depend on me doing things. Every sane person knows that, but knowing is not the same as realizing, as experiencing, as believing. My Creator is more interested in who I am becoming than in what I am doing. I’ve heard about grace all my life but, for me, not doing anything was an act of faith in that grace.
To my surprise, I noticed I was becoming more gracious as a result. I was less irritated by slow-moving lines in the grocery store. I was less uptight about work at home and on the job. I saw more beauty and heard more song.
Did I get more done? I don’t remember. I do remember, even when I haven’t done this for months or even years, that the One who can breathe life into dry bones is always ready to commune with me. As a sinner saved by grace, I don’t have to do anything for that privilege. I just have to show up.
Pray...Give...Go.