“Saints are not defined by what they do,” insisted one of my college religion professors, a former nun. “Rather, they glow from the inside out.”
In my new life, I found myself surrounded by saints. As I have come to know each of my new friends better, I have come to realize that many of them have faced nearly insurmountable struggles and come out better for it.
I’ve been thinking about Galatians 5:22 lately, which describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity and faithfulness.
I’ve found myself surrounded by people who personify these qualities and who expect to find them in others. Like so many of our behaviors, we’re influenced by those around us. Because I am surrounded by people who express genuine appreciation for each other, so do I. Because I’m surrounded by people who are unflappable in the face of adversity, I believe I can be, too. Because I’m surrounded by people who radiate peacefulness and patience, I find those qualities in myself more often.
I thought I gave up everything for a job. But as it turns out, I gave up everything for community.
This message is excerpted from “Leap” by Amber Leberman in the June 2013 Café online magazine. Today is All Saints Sunday.
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