Dear Family of St John’s

What picture comes to mind when I say ‘donkey’? I have many images that pop up. I think of Eeyore, in the Winnie-the-Pooh books by A. A. Milne. Eeyore is an old, grey, stuffed donkey who always seems to be gloomy, and forever losing his tail. I’ve always had a soft spot for Eeyore.

I wonder, is Eeyore the inspiration for the children’s game, ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’? It’s a game I was never particularly good at, generally heading in the wrong direction. And, being blindfolded always made me anxious – I like to see where I’m going!

Another donkey character that pops to mind is from the children’s animated movie, Shrek. His name is simply Donkey. He is Shrek’s side-kick and has a wonderfully witty sense of humour.

And, in scripture there are two donkeys that carried Jesus. The first carried him into Bethlehem to be born, the second carried him into Jerusalem to die. So, perhaps there’s more to the donkey than we might think?

You might wonder why I’m thinking about donkeys. Well, we saw so many on our recent trip to Egypt. We spoke quite a bit about donkeys too and how they are a symbol of servanthood.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “A donkey? Really?” But bear with me! Donkeys have been around for thousands of years, often seen as mere pack animals, yet they possess qualities that teach us about service, patience, and humility.

The Donkey’s Purpose

Donkeys have been trusted companions to humans for centuries. They carry heavy loads, plough fields, and even transport people across rugged terrains. You might say they embody the essence of servanthood. When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a similar dedication to service. He washed the feet of His disciples, fed the hungry, and healed the sick, all with a heart full of love and compassion.

In Mark 10:45, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This verse encapsulates the very nature of servanthood, emphasizing that true greatness lies in humility and selflessness.

Just like donkeys, who tirelessly work without seeking recognition, Jesus exemplified a servant heart. He didn’t seek accolades for His miracles; rather, He served because of His profound love for humanity.

Strength in Humility

One of the most striking features of donkeys is their incredible strength, despite their often-modest appearance. They may not look as glamorous as horses, but they possess a unique tenacity. This reminds me of the often-overlooked strength of humility. In our world, we often equate greatness with status and power. Yet, Jesus teaches us that true greatness is found in serving others.

Consider how donkeys often carry burdens far heavier than themselves. In our lives, we’re sometimes called to carry burdens too – whether it’s something we’re going through personally, supporting a friend in need, volunteering at church, or simply being present for those who are struggling. When we adopt a servant heart, we don’t just alleviate the load for others; we also grow spiritually, learning to lean into God’s strength.

Philippians 2:3-4 beautifully captures this mindset: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This passage encourages us to embody the humility that donkeys demonstrate, always ready to serve without seeking recognition.

The Beauty of Patience

Donkeys are known for their patient nature. They may take their time when trudging up a hill, but they are steady and sure. In our fast-paced world, patience can feel like a rare virtue. We often rush through life, focusing on our agendas rather than taking the time to listen and serve.

Imagine the difference we could make in our communities if we approached our interactions with the patience of a donkey. Whether it’s engaging in meaningful conversations or volunteering our time, being present and attentive allows us to serve more effectively. Patience is an expression of love, showing others that we value them and are willing to invest our time and energy. Patience transforms our relationships and enhances our service to others.

Resilience Through Adversity

Donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn, but this trait often masks a deeper resilience. They have an uncanny ability to endure challenging conditions. When faced with obstacles, they dig in and push through. Similarly, we encounter trials in our lives that test our faith and our willingness to serve.

Think about how Jesus faced adversity. From betrayal to crucifixion, He demonstrated unwavering commitment to His mission of love and redemption. In our lives, we may face our own challenges, but embracing a servant heart allows us to rise above our circumstances. We can find strength in our faith and serve others, even when times are tough.

2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us of God’s sustaining grace: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This verse speaks to the heart of resilience—acknowledging our struggles while leaning into God’s strength to serve others.

So, how can we embody a servant heart in our daily lives? It starts with small, intentional actions. Maybe it’s offering to help a neighbour with their groceries, lending an ear to a friend in need, or volunteering for a church event. Each act of service, no matter how small, echoes the heart of Christ.

Let’s be inspired by our donkey friends, carrying our own burdens while helping others with theirs. Remember, it’s not about how grand our actions are, but the love and humility behind them.

As we reflect on the lessons from these humble creatures, let’s strive to cultivate a servant heart in everything we do. Together, we can create a community that exemplifies love, patience, and resilience—just like the donkeys who inspire us.

With love
Your friend and rector,
Claire