5. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: PLACE

Sunday, February 25th

Read Matthew 15:29-31 (copied below).

Follow Jesus…

During Jesus’ ministry on earth, he quickly became known for his healing powers. As this passage describes, great crowds began to follow him, bringing with them all who needed his healing touch.

to be the best version of myself…

As I follow Jesus this Lenten season, I hope to be open for healing in the ways God finds a need in me.

And along with sanctifying healing, I yearn to have my hip healed. The pain has worsened, so I can no longer hike or walk as much as I love to do. Scans have revealed severe degenerative arthritis, so I was actually relieved to learn that I need hip replacement surgery. Then I was informed that the first opening to see the orthopedic surgeon–even for my consultation–is not until the end of April. I have requested to be scheduled if there is a cancelation before then, but this waiting time is difficult.

I considered making a calendar to count down each day until the appointment. But my word for the year, Cherish, inspires me to treasure this life, not just get through another day to check it off. My word is an ongoing invitation to live each moment well, to embrace what is present before me, and to not wish my days away.

Today’s passage comforts me in this waiting time. The lame, the blind, the maimed, the mute, and many others were placed at Jesus’ feet for healing. Since there were so many, they too, must have waited for their turn with Jesus. These months can be an opportunity to mindfully place myself there with them. This time could become a sacred space to quietly listen to his teachings, anticipate my future relief, and patiently wait until the time is right and all is ready. Perhaps I might deepen in faith, trust, and wisdom through my discomfort and impatience.

for the world.

God, Infinite Love,
The whole world needs your healing, so when I place myself and my concerns at Jesus’ feet, grant me patience and insight. While I wait, help me to keep trusting you, loving and serving you and others as I am able. Whether for the healing of my hip or the healing for the world, may I take every step that I can, sit at the feet of Jesus when I cannot, and abide in your compassionate presence while I wait.

Our passage for Tuesday (27th) is Matthew 16:24-26.

(Photo by Jim as I was hiking along Jordan Pond last summer.)

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Matthew 15:29-31 (NRSVUE)

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the maimed, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.