That’s Not How We Do Things

Recently, I was reminded of my baptismal anniversary. In our family, we have a simple tradition: when it’s your baptismal day, we celebrate with donuts. It’s a fun, sweet way to mark the day we received the indelible mark of faith and were welcomed into the Church. But as life often goes around here, the day got away from us. Hours flew by, the daily routine took over, and bedtime arrived without a single donut in sight.

The next morning, our daughter Avila was quick to point it out, “We didn’t celebrate with donuts yesterday!” Trying to figure out a quick fix, I offered a shortcut. “Well, maybe we can just walk down to the corner store, buy one of those stale pound cake slices they sell, and all share it?” Avila didn’t hesitate for a second. She looked at me and said, “That’s not how we do things!” She was entirely right. Why settle for a dry slice of corner store cake when the tradition calls for a real celebration? So, we made things right, headed out, and got real donuts that morning because that’s how we do things!

Her reaction really stuck with me because it’s such a clear picture of how easily we settle for the lesser fill in the blank. How often do we accept the cheap, convenient substitutes the world throws our way just because they’re easy or right in front of us?

We see this same lesson playing out daily in our work on the mission field. God constantly calls us to move past comfortable routines and give our full, authentic selves to the people He has placed in our lives.

Lately, we’ve been spending more intentional time serving and visiting at the Hogar orphanage, or Girls’ Home, building deeper, closer relationships with the young ladies there. My wife, Kree, and another missionary mother are preparing to begin a new book study with the older girls, and we are so excited to see how the Lord works through that time together.

At the same time, we’ve been journeying with a group of disabled women who have completely stolen our hearts. Their simple desire is to be seen and loved, and it has been such a great privilege to share our family with them in the beautiful simplicity of prayer and games. They remind us every week that ministry isn’t about rushed, convenient fixes; it’s about real presence and radical love.

Living this out takes grace, especially as our roles continue to expand. It’s hard to believe it has already been five months here, and Kree and I are still finding our footing as community leaders for our post. Leading a community of almost 30 people (including all the children!) is a joyful gift, but it constantly stretches us beyond our own strength.

As Pope Benedict XVI famously said, “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”

Whether it’s insisting on a proper celebration for a sacrament anniversary, diving into deeper discipleship with young women, or leading a team of missionaries, we are continually learning to refuse the “easy way out.” The Lord doesn’t want us settling for cheap imitations of happiness. He calls us to the fullness of His grace.