From today’s Scripture: “One day Elisha came to Shunem, where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her.  Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine. So she said to her husband, ‘I know that Elisha is a holy man of God. Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so that when he comes to us he can stay there.’ Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight. Later Elisha asked, ‘Can something be done for her?’”—2 Kgs 4:8-11, 14

I reminisce of the years I managed a reputable Catholic retreat center in Los Angeles, California, in my capacity as office manager. The responsibility was to ensure guests have memorable experiences with the staff, dining, housekeeping, facilities, grounds and sponsored retreat programs, in an atmosphere with the beauty of nature, peace, and hospitality. The job of overseeing the overall business aspects was sometimes overwhelming.

Renaming my ‘To-Do List’ to ‘Opportunity List’ reminded me of the privilege of participating in the generosity of God! Giving attention to incoming calls, emails waiting for immediate reply, and guests and personnel coming to my office became my ‘ministry of interruption’. Although the wage was much less than my former corporate position, the holy reward was profoundly exhilarating: I served and discovered that love has already found me! I received many positive evaluations, thank you cards and letters about transformational experiences while at the retreat center. Service had become a gift!

Let us pray: Lord, remind us to be sensitive to the needs of others beyond our personal tasks list.

Today’s author is Linda Crisostomo, a lay evangelizer for Glenmary serving in Martin County, North Carolina.

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