One of the most ironic things about life is that humility and the smaller things are the paths to that which is bigger and higher (though not always better). Though our capabilities might dictate that our tasks and roles assigned to us should be of higher status, there are often times in life that, in contrast, our tasks and roles are quite miniscule. Without a doubt, these last couple of days have been exactly like that.

I don’t intend to boast, but there are certainly more uses that I could be put to with my time here in Tokyo, but it is for my own benefit and well-being that I am reminded that, sometimes in life, it’s okay and, actually, quite beneficially to take on those, what one might consider, smaller and lesser roles.

There is a parable that Jesus tells in Matthew (Mt. 25:14-30) about the faithfulness of a group of servants with the investments of their master. With the assessment of the faithful servants the master says, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” That’s who I want to be when I’m assessed at the throne of my God on the last day.