When I was a UPS driver, my Catholic boss asked me, “Walt, you see your job as your parish, don’t you?”
A parish is a small spiritual community under the pastoral care of a priest or pastor. I’ve never thought of myself as a priest, but it’s true—Christians are called “a royal priesthood” 1 Peter 2:9.
A priest’s role is to “provide counsel and act as a conduit for divine blessings and provide much-needed support to believers.”
I like the “conduit for divine blessings” part of that definition. Hose becomes a conduit when water flows through it. Likewise, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5
God is the source of divine love. The Holy Spirit is the conduit by which we receive that love into our hearts. He then makes us conduits, as we let His love flow through us to bless those in our communities who need refreshing. In that sense we truly are royal priests.
Where is your parish? Is it your family? Your neighbors? Your co-workers?
Christ our King said we who are filled with the Holy Spirit will have streams of living water flowing out of us—IF we stay connected to the Source.
During those years at UPS I knew my King wanted me to deliver more than packages. He called me to be a conduit of living water to all I came in contact with. My job really was my parish. My territory has changed since then but my role is the same. You can call me a priest, or a pastor, but really I’m just a royal waterboy.
There is a reservoir of God’s refreshing love for all of us to tap into. Let’s drink it in and give it out.
This weary world is dying of thirst!
“Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
“The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11
“I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.” Matthew 25:35
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”” John 7:37-38
Heartspills 
Another great blog, Walt! I didn’t know you used to be a UPS driver. I think of them as unsung heroes…and now even more! I just posted this to FB. Hug that pretty bride of yours for me. Love u guys!! Patti
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