I have no recollection of how this un-named iris came to me. I don't remember anyone giving it to me or ordering it from a mail order nursery or buying it locally. Although it's a re-blooming iris (spring and then again fall) it doesn't have much of anything to recommend it: no frilly petals (called falls), no scent, no jump-out colors. But there it is, mixed in and blooming now in the garden with the others which carry dramatic names illustrative of their fabulous-ness, names like: Savannah Sunset, Vision in Pink, Slew O' Gold, Dream of You. I've named this iris: Doing the Best I Can.
But I decided today to leave it alone and let it stay because it clearly is making an effort, and as I get older I realize that's all that matters. Our culture is largely interested only in the show-stopper and the WOW factor, but the Gospel teaching is ~ the little bit and the best I can, matters.
Jesus tells the story about the fellow who went out to sow the seed on his land: most of it was wasted - the birds ate it up, the rocks prevented the seeds from sending down deep roots, the thorns choked it out, the neighbors stomped on it along the path. But a little bit of the seed landed where it could be enormously productive (Mt. 13:1 ff).
And the little mustard seed becomes a giant bush where birds make nests (Mt. 13:31-32). And the little sparrow is noticed by God even in its dying (Mt. 10:29) And the little children were invited into the circle around Jesus who blessed them (Mk 10:13-15). And the little boy offered the little lunch he had, and using it, Jesus performed a great miracle (Jn. 6:9 ff). And so it goes...
Many people who are trying to follow the Christian way feel frustrated and guilty because "doing the best I can" was never (or isn't now) enough. Some folks throw the word sin around very easily when the persons they're critiquing (even condemning) are already trying very hard - indeed - trying the best they can.
"I'm trying the best I can" is sometimes met with "Well, your best isn't good enough." But Jesus isn't like that. He's pleased for the cup of cold water we give, (Mt. 10:42) and how we feed the hungry, and clothed the naked and visit the home bound and the imprisoned (Mt. 25 ff).
Therese of Lisieux understood this. She said that picking up a pin off the floor for love mattered to Jesus. And do you know why? Because nuns keep their headgear on with pins. And Carmelite nuns don't wear shoes, so a pin landing on the floor might cause someone pain and trouble and Therese anticipated that.
So do what you can ~ the best you can ~ for love of God and love of other people. And be encouraged.
So do what you can ~ the best you can ~ for love of God and love of other people. And be encouraged.
