There’s this man named Thales who works in maintenance on the Saint Marc campus 8-5 every weekday. He rakes leaves and such and takes them to the burn pile, the same thing every time. He is also a pastor on the weekends.
Now I don’t know about you, but for me, this work seems to be oh so tiresome and unfulfilling, however, I have never once seen 60-70-year-old Pastor Thales (he actually doesn’t even know how old he is) without a smile on his face. He is always so merry and delighted to say hi if you greet him in passing. He also has a really long stick made out of a piece of rebar and a tree branch with which to pluck coconuts.
I haven’t ever really had a back and forth conversation with this man, but in just the way he carries himself with his wheelbarrow clutched tightly in his old, sturdy hands, I know He has such a special relationship with the Lord.
For me, Thales is someone I aspire to be like. I wish to unlock the intimacy and contentment he has found with his life. I’m learning more and more that all of this excess we have in the states can be more of an inhibitor in finding true joy, than the accelerant that we think it to be.
“If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” – Matthew 19:21
