The evolution of life on earth started out with the primeval organic soup churned out by the waves and tides of the ocean. Out of this primeval soup, the first living single cells emerged. It took millions of years for these single cells to evolve into the complex creatures we know today. But in time, these things came to pass. When searching for life on other planets, the first thing or clue or sign that scientists look for is the presence of water. Water is life. Water also refreshes and cleanses. Yet it is so ordinary we often take it for granted.
In this day and age of science and technology, we are often impressed and taken by the complex, sophisticated and the ingenious. We are moved by power, fame and wealth. And yet, the most significant changes in our lives come from very ordinary things like life and eventually human coming out of the waters of the seas. When Gos became man, he did not come in splendor and glory in some mighty castle. He came in the humble surroundings of a stable because there was no room for them at the inns. When the time came to choose the followers who will proclaim the good news of his coming, he did not choose the learned nor the schooled but ordinary folks like fishermen.
In my younger days, I often imagined myself doing heroic feats to change the world, at least my immediate world, and make this place a better place. I still strive to do my share of making this world a better place. But I have realized I can do this best in doing ordinary things: driving for Jonathan and Jane, playing their endless games and listening to their endless talk, cooking when Anabelle is either too tired to do it, just being there at the right time and at the right place when an extra pair of hands are needed. God who drew out life from ordinary water, will make my ordinary life something extraordinary. In his time.
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea–for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. Mark 1:14-20