March 12, Tuesday ~ Giving Up Mediocrity

DAY 24: Giving Up Mediocrity

• Mark 12:41-44

• 1 Timothy 4:6-16

• Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Today’s fast is mediocrity. I have always thought that words like fervor, dedication, and determination could be considered the opposites of mediocrity. In my book, how you do something is as important (if not more) than the final result. The results will take care of themselves when they are done in the spirit of fullness. During more than thirty years of being in full-time ministry, I have learned that you prayerfully consider what to bring before the congregation and where they need to be engaged. You don’t dilute things because the participation “numbers” are not what some people think they should be. You give it your all, and the people who are supposed to be there will be there.

My sister and I learned our own lesson in giving up mediocrity in middle school. We were to be the first (and second) female acolytes at our little country Episcopal church in Maryland. It was a small church, but it was vibrant, connected to the community, and rather progressive for that time and place. The (male) priest was energetic, smart, fun, and enjoyed being on the ecclesiastical cutting edge. He gave us a booklet to read about the role of the acolyte in the Episcopal church and then had us come in on a Saturday morning for hands-on training.

That morning, we learned how to process, which candle to light and extinguish first, how to move the Bible from one side of the altar to the other during the scripture reading, and finally, how we were to handle and help with the communion elements.

That part was scary.

That part was precise.

That part involved handling starched white linens in very close proximity to red wine.

It involved walking while carrying wafers that teetered on a silver patten.

It was the service's most sacred yet most nerve-wracking part.

Sensing my fear and trepidation, our wonderful priest calmly said, “And if you happen to spill the water, the wine, or the wafers, do it thoroughly, with purpose. Tip the bottle or patten over fully and tap it on the bottom to be sure that you get out every drop or crumb!” I was initially shocked by what he said but then we all had a good laugh. Fortunately, I never had to use his advice, but the lesson of “no mediocrity here” was well learned (here it is, 40 years later I am still talking about it!)

Do things with passion and intensity, not half-heartedly!! So go boldly into your day and embrace all that comes your way with fervor and purpose.

At any point if you are feeling overwhelmed by this content or just want to have a further discussion about the topic, feel free to contact pastormattbridges@gmail.com or wendy@encompassthespirit.com