Self-sacrificing

Flexibility.

30 The apostles[a] gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. 31 [b]He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. 32 So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 33 People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.34 When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.-Mark6:30-34

One mentor once mentioned that I was a "Black and White" person. If it's time to work, then I'll work. If it's time to rest, then I'll rest. But when "gray areas" occur (like a sudden change of schedule), I'm easily disoriented and sometimes peeved. The Gospel reading spoke of the apostle's return from their missionary work. Since Jesus was aware of their journey and tiredness, He gave them rest. But because of the number of people, no rest happened nor a time to eat. Going to a deserted place, they found people still waiting for them. Will there be rest? No. But instead of getting irritated or disappointed, Jesus was touched and moved with pity. Instead of resting, He taught them many things. Jesus is inviting us all to grow in patience and understanding. Sometimes, our personal needs are nothing compared to the needs of others.

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