Teresa of Ávila: Counsels and Couple Hours

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Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

“[Life] only lasts a couple hours: our reward is boundless, and even if there were no reward at all but to follow the counsels given us by the Lord, to imitate His majesty in any degree would bring us a recompense immeasurable.”

St. Teresa of Ávila in The Way of Perfection 2.7.

How will you spend the next couple hours?

Many will spend them on themselves. Some, alternatively, will spend them on others. The best place to spend them is following the counsels given us by the Lord.

This leads some to care for grandchildren and others to carry the gospel to faraway places.

One seems mundane and the other exotic. But both fit the pattern that our majesty desires. The counsels call us not to aim to be served but to serve in our couple hours.

I am serving this week in Istanbul: convening 60+ GTP servants from 30+ countries.

The new header photo features the view from the top floor of the hotel where our meetings will take place in Old Town.

Pray for safe travel with people arriving today, tomorrow, and Monday from all over the world.

It’s a strategic meeting that aims to multiply stewards to spread impact in their countries. But those who watch their grandchildren does the same thing, shaping the next generation.

Whether you are in Turkey or making a turkey sandwich for your grandson, do it for God.

When we give our couple hours to the Lord, He has us do a wide range of things. Each task has a range of difficulty and prominence, but all are equally important.

If God gives you a couple more hours today, serve generously in keeping with His counsels.