Monday, December 19, 2016

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”

Luke 1:46-50

The Liberty family of services offers many opportunities to experience God’s presence already among us. The happiness and connection that we discover can be found in the most basic and ordinary ways. In this capacity we love, we honor the dignity of all people, and we learn to use our gifts to heal and serve some of the most vulnerable in society. With our hearts, we can touch one another and share with others the gifts that we have been given.

As we wait with anticipation for the birth of new things may we remember that the things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another, when we are there in the most attentive and caring way for one another and others. This simple and profound sense of relationship and shared ministry is what I believe is at the heart of our work.

May our spirits rejoice in God our Savior who came down to us in the form of a newborn child and keeps coming down through our participation in His ministry on earth through the new and exciting opportunities to serve. To borrow a word of Mary, “the Lord has done great things for us, and holy is his name.”

Loving God, teach us to use the gifts that we have been given to love, serve and heal your people. Open our hearts and minds to new and exciting opportunities to continue your work in the world. Amen.

Julie Stumpf is Resident Service Coordinator for Independent Living and Personal Care at Paul’s Run Retirement Community.