This is May Day, a fairy-like day that boasts mostly of flowers, pastel colors and a few maypoles. Nothing seems remarkable. We do have the breezes of the season, and light heartedness, appealing to children, the girls more than the boys. Trust me, as a boy I did not really want to skip around a maypole with a ribbon in my hand. The implication of it all is that there are small gestures that lift the spirit. This is a day that ought to be dedicated to the small graces that are given in millions of tiny instances every day. Some are not small, but they may appear small by the extent of needs and problems on earth. We may have poor insight – into the good that is done, because of human ability to create greater volumes of needs than mankind’s resources counter. Critics miss the good that gentleness does because of the enormous human concerns. Stern critics and colleagues may not be trying. May Day is a day for gentle civility renewal.
In his book, Dark Star Safari, Paul Theroux made the standard accusations of the somewhat removed critic/analyst. Traveling through ten African countries he rightly deplored the conditions he found, worsened from circumstances he observed on a trip more than thirty years earlier. His descriptions are telling: of bad and incompetent governments; of neglected and decaying infrastructures; of dismal accommodations and food; of lawlessness and disease; and, of overpopulation and death. Theroux, with some sarcasm, faulted those he called agents of virtue. These included those who led relief projects, using everything from organizations with refugee camping programs, to food programs, to scholarships, to technical assistance, even to general, common religious missionary efforts. A reviewer in USA Today, Stephen J. Lyons, had some appreciation for the book, but noted that the narrative becomes a tiresome rant and a wicked criticism of missionaries. The excellent review continues: the author forgets that such thankless work is a way of measuring compassion. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness of aid could be more a result of the sheer magnitude of the continent’s problems than any nefarious motives. (USA Today 4/15/2003 p. 4D)
In the course of seventy years engaged in helping persons, and noting others helping others, I am appalled at the misinterpretation of those who do not share good motivation, but rather peek around to find fault with what is done. Unnumbered friends and colleagues have served others for the reason we have been told: that to give a cup of water to a thirsty person, in Christ’s Name, is like giving it to the Lord himself. God needs nothing from mankind, so takes any contribution (good works/charity) by mankind as contributing to him. Then to have that good evil spoken of discourages some servants. They drop the challenge. They may try but are faulted for even modest effort. Why try? Those who are genuine with God and earthly purposes made divine will not drop the privilege to serve, even in small ways. It may be that we are not as clear as we ought to be – that this service is because God loves all persons, without special favor. They may sense that love demands response, made urgent to caring God, and is solicited. Helps are acts of worship for Christians, but respected by God from all persons to any persons. The life dedication of missionaries is yeoman service, not really reduced by arrogant critics of ministries. Keep on, keeping on – in caring. There is a dark side to this, in that persons not serving, or ceasing because of resistance, will receive an accounting of failure. Responsibility for life success is tied to that contribution that improves life even for the sacrificial person – to family and society. Some persons blame God for the plight of individuals in human society. We create the problems. God honors those who help lift human burdens. He tallies points of care. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020