After a long day of home visitations under the scorching heat, dusty air, and traffic-filled streets, I won’t hide that sometimes one can feel overwhelmed. There are moments where I ask: What’s next?
Sometimes, it even becomes difficult to talk to God or ask for His strength.
One night after a long workday, I sat down with my six-year-old son, Philopateer, for dinner. He was devouring fried potato sticks with such enthusiasm that his fingers and face were drenched in ketchup.
Then, this conversation unfolded:
Philopateer: Dad…do you know? The farmer is the best worker in the world.
Me: Why?
Philopateer: Because he can grow many potatoes, and they’d never run out.
Me: Oh, I see. But, still, the farmer needs all other professions, like the engineer, the doctor, the carpenter, and so on.
I went on to explain the concept of how all professions complement one another and how we can’t live without any of them.
Philopateer: So, what’s the best profession, Dad?
Me: All professions are great. The most important thing is to work with honesty. You know, all the saints worked. Even Jesus worked. Do you know what job Jesus had?
I looked at him, expecting him to say carpentry. He is aware of this fact, which is in the books his mother reads to him. I have also seen him color a picture of Jesus with Joseph the Carpenter.
As I chewed my food, waiting for his answer, he looked at me and said: “He worked like you, visiting people in their homes.”
I stopped chewing. It felt as if time stood still.
God was sending me a message: You are working with Me as My disciple. I sent you out to imitate Me. You are doing My work in My vineyard for My children. You faced many challenges, and perhaps not everyone responded, but there was great fruit.
How could a child reach such a profound understanding when he knows nothing about the nature of my work, except for hearing the word “visiting” during my phone calls? How did he connect my work with Christ’s ministry and His love for humanity?
In that moment, I felt as though Jesus was embracing me, comforting my heart, and saying: “I am responsible for you. You are Mine.”
I resumed eating, took a deep breath, smiled at my son, and said: “You know, I thought He was a carpenter?”
This truly feels like a blessing from God. Naturally, when working in God’s field, challenges will arise. But I chose to work at Coptic Orphans because it is both a profession and a calling to serve.
I pray that He grants us pure minds, clear hearts, and open ears so we may hear His voice, see through His eyes, and fulfill His will.