By Allison Gingras
“And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” ~ Luke 10:2
After 10 years of hosting a faith-sharing book club in my home, I started to feel the nudge to branch out to my church. I resisted. I will be bluntly honest—I didn’t want the extra work. Service to others can be arduous. It can require us to do things we may not feel like doing. I liked the comfort of being at home and having everybody come to me. I had settled that the house would be “family clean” versus “company clean,” which meant that you did not stick to the floor or feel you needed a hazmat suit to use my bathroom, but you might find a dust bunny or two peering out to say hello.
What I didn’t realize was the emotions that serving others would bring. When somebody doesn’t show up again, you wrestle with what you did—or didn’t—say that may have turned them away. I wavered between the fear of providing enough faith content to keep them coming yet not overwhelm them with too much Jesus and scare them away. Then came the panic of doing this on a larger scale by myself. There’s that constant struggle within me between not wanting to burden others and not being comfortable asking for help.
It was hard for me to realize that I’m not Wonder Woman, and despite my best efforts, I could not do it all by myself. I needed a team. When my beloved spiritual director would recognize my Superwoman tendencies as I discussed my many ventures and activities, he would gently chide me, saying that not inviting others in to allow them to share their gifts and talents was stealing other people’s blessings. There is a love language that is one of service. If somebody is not asked to help, they may feel like they don’t have a purpose. For a church, they may not feel they belong or that there is a place for them there. You are burning out, while they desire a deeper connection with God and a faith community, and helping is the perfect gateway to find both.
It is okay to need help; asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. The laborers are indeed few but trust the Lord to send companions on the journey, especially when your goal is to bring people closer to Him. If He puts serving in the Vineyard on your heart, believe He will provide for fulfilling the call.
Running a Women’s Group was a steep learning curve. I thought I knew all about it because I had run that group at my house for so long. However, disseminating information and balancing activities that make everyone happy can be difficult. The fatigue of needing to be “on,” ready, and at a specific place each week proved challenging. Some weeks, I just wanted to curl up on the couch with tea and a book and tell them to fend for themselves.
I continue to learn how to serve the women at my parish—and beyond. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be His hands and feet in the world. The Lord wants to heal His Church and Body and needs us to do so. He desires us to do so—even when, or maybe especially when, it is difficult.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you so much for calling me to serve your church. The Vineyard is indeed ripe and in need of harvesting. Lord, let us not allow those seeking you to whither on a vine while they wait for someone else to take up the plow or lend a hand. Lord, bless all the women’s groups created worldwide. May they continue to serve each other in hope and peace and not be discouraged. Please strengthen every woman seeking to grow closer to you with your love and grace. Amen
Call to Action
What service are you providing for the church currently? Do you feel that it is a burden or a blessing? How can you make changes to be sure that it is more of a blessing and that you can sustain it so that the laborers do not become even fewer?
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I am on the OCIA Team. We do it year round and most of the time I love it and feel so honored to be on this journey with people that I did myself 12 years ago. But there are definitely times when I feel tired. When I feel discouraged but I know I have to just keep on.
Kate. What I’ve used to motivate me these last 15 + years of running small groups and sharing the Faith…. discouragement never comes from God! Prayer is 100% how we carry on because that’s where the grace to do so flows ❤️
Love that you’re giving your time and heart to OCIA!! Such crucial work in the Church, especially now!
This is very timely for me!
My Deacon just asked me to write an article for the church bulletin to share what our WINE small group is all about. While it is my prayer that more women will join us and create more groups, I worry about my role in growing. Can I do more? Will I have the energy? (I’m in my 70’s)
Your words encourage me to be aware of others who want to help! I will pray and give my worries to God! Thank you!!!
Lori, I LOVE how providential (aka godcidental) God can be ;) This is great, and good for you continuing to serve, not letting any obstacles like age get in your way! I bet that willing spirit is what keeps you so young!! Bless you and that lucky WINE group!!
No surprise, your reflections always just hit me right to my core! Due to major neck surgery with post op complications and paralysis. In my left arm, I am unable to do service in a physical sense , and I’ve definitely had to ask for help! This is very humbling and I am trying to be grateful for the lessons that I’m learning To bring me closer to rely on our Lord… I’m comforted by knowing that when I can’t do anything else, I can always pray! I’m so grateful to all my prayer warriors. Blessings, Chris
Chris, I think I keep writing for WINE just so you can lift my esteem a few times a year . ha ha Thank YOU so much for this thoughtful feedback. Praying is always the MOST we can do!! You are such a remarkable woman of faith!