Garages. Some are attached, and others are set a distance from the house. Some are single-car, and yet others have three stalls. My garage is typically a disaster! It becomes the place where sporting equipment airs out, the yard and garden tools lay in a pile, and random hunting paraphernalia dries out and waits for the next outing. Oh, and yes, it shelters one car. Honestly, it drives me crazy! I can’t keep it clean, and I am grateful I can shut the door on it! Out of sight, out of mind. I’ve assumed this is how everyone’s garage functioned, but I learned that is not the case. I am slightly jealous of those people who can host a graduation party out of their garage or foster a hobby. And yet, others accomplish even more out of their garage.
We are familiar with the famed story of how Apple Inc. had its humble beginnings in the garage. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak transformed the world with their ingenuity and drive. I am sure numerous businesses have started in much of the same way, and like Apple, have enjoyed enormous financial success. All of us might be willing to clean out our garages if becoming a billionaire was in our future, but would we clean it out to love our neighbors that are less fortunate than us?
In the past year, I have discovered two organizations that found their beginnings in a garage. You will not find either of these organizations on the S&P 500, nor will they make headlines with their next fancy invention. Some might describe their work as community-minded, good citizenship, or social justice, and they would all be correct. However, St. Paul may describe this as “faith working through love” Galatians 5:6. What each of these organizations does is make the world a better place by loving their neighbor.
The North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a.) made space in a garage to serve disabled members of their community. Veterans, cancer patients, those affected by autism, and the elderly are just a few of our brothers and sisters that this organization serves. They make it possible for those with limitations to enjoy hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, water skiing, and biking. They make it possible for everyone to experience the beauty of God’s creation. On a recent hike with a volunteer, I asked him why he spent so much time volunteering. As he gently touched his heart, he said, “Love, I do it out of love.”
Another group that started making a difference out of a garage is theExchange. Their slogan, “furnishing homes with a little help from our friends,” clearly sums up their mission in helping those who are transitioning to stable housing from poverty, abuse, or homelessness. What started with four women, a garage, and a truck has transformed into a stand-alone building, dozens of volunteers, a board of directors, and has furnished over 1,000 family homes. Again, an act of loving and caring for our brothers and sisters in need. When asked why, “to do worthwhile work” was the answer. These organizations didn’t just make space in their garages; they carved out space in their hearts for those in need.
As humble as the beginnings were for these organizations, there is one who had an even more humble beginning – Jesus. We all know there was no room in the inn for him and his family, so in a manger is where he gets his start. This space was crowded with animals, probably quite messy and a bit smelly. He comes anyway. He comes as love itself. He comes to heal us and to save us.
Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
Is there room in your heart
For God to write His story
You can come as you are
But it may set you apart
When you make room in your heart
And trade your dreams for His glory
Casting Crowns
When I consider the work my garage would need to free up the space for these sorts of endeavors, I feel overwhelmed, but more important than my garage is my heart. For Jesus to do His work, we have to make space in our hearts. He needs a pathway to enter. Casting Crowns asks us just that question with this beautiful song, Make Room. This Advent, I need to clean up a bit so I can let my faith work through love. What needs to go? My clutter includes pride, fear, doubt, and despair. I want to rid my heart of them and have Jesus replace them with humility, peace, trust, and hope. In love, I want to see the good and do good. I want to bring glory to God through all of my work.
How do we make room for Jesus? How do we get rid of the “stuff” that takes up the space in our hearts that Jesus wants? By placing Him first. Again, for me, it is taking the time to encounter Him in silent prayer, participating in Mass with my faith community, and seeking His mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation. Maybe find an organization that is loving those less fortunate and offer, out of charity, your time, talent, or treasure. If you are taking the first steps to making room, start slow. He only needs a tiny crack to bring His light and love to you this Advent season.
This Advent, may you make room in your heart.