By God’s Side: November 4, 2020
Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
November 4, 2020
Because we like to accomplish a lot, because we have the ability to do it, every once in a while we get ourselves caught thinking that we have to do absolutely everything all on our own. That sounds like a recipe for disaster, because, no matter how efficient we are, no matter how much energy we have to offer, there are only twenty-four hours in every day.
If you are working on a project right now that seems a little daunting, maybe there is someone else you can invite to share it with you. Just like the concept that, when you travel, getting there is half the fun, half of the joy of working on a worthwhile endeavor is sharing it with someone else. If you look around, you will see lots of fellow Christians who would be glad to share with you. So ask them to share.
Sometimes all it takes is someone else to hear what you are working on, who can say something along the lines of, “Have you thought about this?” or, “Have you considered that?” Because we get so focused on the details that we do not see the big picture, it is always good to have someone else to give us perspective.
Recently, I came across this quotation by the Christian writer Richard Rothe:
“God does not require that each individual shall have capacity for everything.”
To me it was like breathing a deep sigh of relief – a special reminder firmly placed in what we believe as part of our Presbyterian and Reformed theology, that, although each one of us brings unique gifts, it is when the gifts are shared that we accomplish what God calls us to do. Do not feel that you have to go it alone today, or any day. And remember most of all that, through prayer and contemplation, you can invite God to be part of that project alongside you.
The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church
About Dr. Dalles
Read more about Dr. Dalles.
Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.
About By God’s Side
Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.
Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.