As an adolescent I received a great gift.
Why was a frail, wrinkled, elderly woman, adorned in blue and white clothing and an odd looking hat any kind of gift for me?
* Photograph by Time Magazine
People of all ages and ethnicities packed the arena that day, they had come and hear this little ole’ lady speak. I was there to witness this mystical with them. You see, most of the events I was accustomed to attending at the Charlotte Coliseum as a teen were the kind of things some might consider a spectacle; NBA Hornets games, sold out concerts, and let’s not forget Ringling Brothers Circus. To most, those were the events that would remain instilled in people’s minds.
I wrestled with, how a little lady, hardly five feet tall had so many “followers.” The arena was full of them… they all sat there with wide eyes and open mouths, in complete awe of her presence.
I probably just thought that my mom and her friend were trying to entertain their kids and change up the afternoon entertainment to a field trip to the coliseum rather than the swim club. That afternoon I received the gift of a lifetime. I never thought that my heart would eventually be so supportive of her mission. She was a legacy, a saint, a true disciple and a servant. Some might have even considered her a nomad.
Indeed, she was radically courageous.
But, her gift came in a such a small package. It rested inside her gentle soul and warm spirit. Her grace was always astounding and intriguing.
Her bravery undeniably remarkably.
Upon reflection, I stop to think. Why did I witness that little lady in the flesh that day? Perhaps, some fifteen years or so down the road I would come to believe that her gift was bigger and better than any fancy present I have ever received.
The astonishing thing about Mother Teresa’s heart was she never felt the need to dress it up with a bow, wrap it in a sassy lace paper, or include a note detailing that is was from her. She simply showed up with her heart and offered it to the oppressed, the broken, and the sick. Not easily overlooked, it was utterly raw in distinction and she presented her heart unwrapped to the world.
The woman lived a simplistic life, but offered the grandest gift, in the smallest of packages, she carried it straight to the nations…
To think the gift was simply her heart and I got to hear it years ago.
Maybe that was the first time I heard the voice of a disciple of the Lord… one willing to give her life to serve the Kingdom.
We can only do small things
with great love. “
