Our Moment on the Big Stage
“All the world’s a stage,” Shakespeare said. I can agree. In the timeline of human history, we each have our entrance and our exit, and in between them is our brief moment on life’s stage—our “fleeting shadow” of days, as the Psalmist writes—during which we are given a chance to “act out” the role we choose to play.
Some choose the role of a fool, positioning themselves center-stage in the spotlight, living only for the moment…only for what will bring the applause of men. You’ve met them. I have, too. Their role is nothing much to watch or write about. They get no lasting “reviews”, and no one who sees them is truly inspired. Others wisely choose to use each opportunity afforded them as another moment to “act out” their love for God. Requiring no spotlight, they do what they do for an “audience of One”, and those in the world fortunate enough to notice them look upon their role with deep admiration, awe, and wonder.
That reminds me of Luis, the man who founded the orphanage in Peru that we support, and it reminds me of his successors. They are men who have given up the pursuit of temporal treasures and are living out their “moment on the big stage” in a way that declares Jesus is Lord and proclaims that they love Him. Their role is an inspiration. I want to live that way, using all of my days to love my God better, by helping those He loves.
One of the children that God cares about is 12-year-old Sebastian. He comes from a broken home where his mother’s current, drug-addicted boyfriend regularly abuses her. As one of four siblings, Sebastian is the only one presently at the orphanage. His sisters have all been placed in government institutions. When he first arrived, he was quiet and sad because he missed his mother and sisters. He did not smile or play. Now, however, he is doing better. He is smiling again and playing with the other children. We ask that you take a moment to pray for Sebastian. He constantly asks about his mother and siblings, and we want to see his heart healed by the God of all comfort. We are very grateful that the orphanage could receive him so that he now has a bright future ahead of him, filled with the promises of God!
Thank you to those who have been praying for me (Tony) as I recover from my knee surgery. I am on the path to healing and am praising God for it! Thank you also to those who gave so that we could recently supply blankets for the children during their winter months in Peru. God is using all of you, as His hands, to take care of them. I ask you to please not forget about the children during this time of year. Summer in the U.S. can be busy and filled with out-of-the-ordinary-routine activities. The children are counting on all of us for consistency in giving.
As I close, I remind you that “all of life is a stage.” I once lived the role of the fool, living for myself, not making the most of the opportunities that had been granted to me. God graciously awakened me to view life in more of an eternal light, and it required me to make some strong changes. As long as there is breath in your lungs, it is never too late to switch roles. Which role will you play?
For His Glory,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International, Inc.
