Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
15. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: SIMPLIFY
Tuesday, March 19th
Read Matthew 6:19-21 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus teaches the disciples and the gathered crowd the wisdom of storing eternal treasures over earthly ones. Yes, it’s true that one day we will not have any of these temporary treasures (“we can’t take it with us”) and even now, we could lose them to any number of calamities. But better still, when our heart’s treasure is found in the gifts of God, we experience new freedom, joy, generosity, and peace–treasures of heaven, here and now.
to be the best version of myself…
Christine Valters-Paintner writes about simplicity and ascetism in her book, The Artist’s Rule. She writes, “Simplicity calls us to live more intentionally… to recognize life’s essentials and what should be abandoned because of the unproductive energy it requires. We might discard thoughts, habits, or tangible objects that drain energy from our hearts’ truest desires.”1
I was struck by this idea of simplifying more than our belongings; to extend this practice to our ways of living and being, to pursue “our hearts’ truest desires”–those eternal ones of God. I need to ask more often, Is this the best use of our finances, our God-given resources? Is this the best use of my time, of my bonus and finite days of life? Where am I spending unproductive energy? Is there something I can eliminate to replace with something better–or simply to leave space? At the end of my life, will I be glad to have done this, or purchased this, or kept this, or worried about this?
Where might I create more space for God in my soul?
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Thank you for the wise teachings of Jesus. Make me aware of any earthly treasures that keep me from you and your better gifts, where I find my heart’s true treasure. May I use the resources you have given us for your better good, and may I simplify my life to create more space–for relationships, for creativity, for reflection, and for presence with you.
Our reading for Thursday (21), will be John 14:1-3, 27; 15:9-11; 16:33
1Valters-Painter, Christine. The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom. 2011, Sorin Books.
Photo by Karen, the beauty of simplicity.
~~~~~
Matthew 6:19-21 (NRSVUE)
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
14. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: SHARE
Sunday, March 17th
Read Matthew 25:35-40 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus teaches that when we kindly share with others–especially those in need–we are sharing with Jesus himself. He names the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the unclothed, the sick, and the imprisoned in his list of people we are to serve.
to be the best version of myself…
Our friends, Kurt and Judy, generously and graciously follow this teaching of Jesus. A few years ago, Kurt saw a news story about the number of impoverished people in his community, and he was immediately inspired to help. He now packs a number of lunches each morning and drives through the city to distribute them to any who would like one. He and Judy have also provided clothing, transportation, help for housing, and part-time employment for people in need. They have experienced times of discouragement and frustration, but their passion and purpose endure. They truly live to serve others as Jesus has taught.
Too often, I can become skeptical, intimidated, or selfish about sharing with others. I tend to overlook my privilege, make excuses, or question whether others will use my donation for what I intend. I forget that Jesus loves “the least of these”–that Jesus is even included as “the least of these.” I am grateful for people like our friends, who steadfastly model what it means to love our neighbor.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Open my eyes to first see you in others,
Open my ears to hear your call to love and serve,
Open my spirit to receive your strength and courage,
Open my heart to serve you–and the least of these–well.
(Photo by Judy; Jim and I are helping Kurt assemble lunches.)
Our reading for Tuesday (19th) is Matthew 6:19-21.
Top photo by Karen; Grampy Jim is sharing a cupcake with our granddaughter.
~~~~~
Matthew 25:35-40 (NRSVUE)
…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’
13. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: REST
Thursday, March 14th
Read Mark 4:35-41 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus sleeps in the stern as he and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee. When a storm begins to ravage the boat, the frightened disciples awaken him. Jesus tells the storm to “Be still!” and the storm immediately subsides. He then questions his friends, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
His act of calming the storm is quite remarkable, but his sleeping IN the storm is, too.
There is wind.
There are waves.
There is water in the boat.
And yet Jesus sleeps.
to be the best version of myself…
As I marvel about Jesus sleeping through the storm, I think about my own storms that keep me awake at night. I am initially frustrated by the worry, sadness, or pain that awaken me, then become increasingly frustrated when I cannot settle myself back to sleep. There have been a few times when I was able to fully entrust myself into God’s good care and then–finally–peacefully rest. But I find that I cannot just pray, “I am placing myself into your good care, God.” I have to desperately mean it, to be so outdone that I have no other choice.
I imagine that during his time in the wilderness, Jesus prayed a similar desperate prayer of surrender–entrusting his whole life to God, not just one sleepless night. Perhaps right from the beginning, he placed himself completely and preemptively into God’s good care, knowing that his life would be filled with storms. So, when this storm rocked the boat, he could sleep peacefully and securely. He had already surrendered and settled into God’s compassionate, ever-present care–with the trust that endures whatever life brings.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
May I surrender myself, my whole life, into your tender care every day–not just during storms or sleepless nights. As I entrust myself, my dear ones, and our world into your compassion and comfort, help me find the same peace that Jesus knew. Thank you for your all-embracing, ever-present love that is holding me, holding us, now and always. Keep guiding me to abide in your love, to live in your peace, and to serve as your calming presence for others.
Our reading for Sunday, March 17th is Matthew 25:35-40.
Photo by Karen, Bar Harbor, ME. Sailboats on a calmer sea.
~~~~~
Mark 4:35-41 (NRSVUE)
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
12. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: BLESS
Tuesday, March 12th
Read Mark 10:13-16 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
As Jesus is teaching and healing crowds of people, children are also being brought to him for a blessing. The disciples sternly speak against this, but Jesus then says, “Let them come…” He goes on to say that the kingdom of heaven “belongs to such as these” and takes the children into his arms and blesses them. One can only imagine how these children must have felt dearly loved and valued.
to be the best version of myself…
This story offers yet another assurance that the love of God in Christ is not based on our merit, knowledge, or usefulness to God. Jesus asserts that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children, who are innocent, helpless, naive, dependent, and at times unreasonable. This is a grace for me, that I do not need to prove myself or perfect myself for God to love me. In fact, it seems as if Jesus especially draws near to the helpless, imperfect, and unaware.
And as he blesses the children, so should I. Whether it’s working to ensure that crying children are heard, hungry children are fed, learning students are safe, refugee children are welcome, frightened children are secure, and marginalized youth are included, I must not sit idly by. The kingdom belongs to them–and I am called to help them experience it.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
As Jesus welcomed and blessed the children, help me to do the same. Open my eyes to see the needs of your children, then give me the courage to keep speaking, the resources to keep helping, the insight to keep guiding, the gentleness to keep comforting, and the love to keep encouraging. Thank you for loving us all, for offering us your kingdom despite our imperfections and shortcomings. May your kingdom come. For everyone.
Our reading for Thursday (14th) is Mark 4:35-41.
Photo by our daughter of Jim and me, walking with our beloved grandson.
~~~~~
Mark 10:13-16 (NRSVUE)
People were bringing children to him in order that he might touch them, and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
11. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: THANK
Sunday, March 10th
Read Matthew 15:32-38 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
Jesus takes a meager portion of fish and bread, thanks God, and then generously feeds the crowd of people. This story, considered one of the miracle stories, is shared several times throughout the gospels and certainly holds important lessons for us. The story encourages us to be willing to share what we have, even if our contribution seems small. The story demonstrates the compassion of Jesus, shown in his concern for the people who came to listen. Today I also notice how Jesus thanks God for the small gifts of bread and fish, and in doing so, finds he has plenty to share.
To be the best version of myself…
In her book, Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach quotes Melody Beattie:
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more… It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.1
The act of thanking God serves much more than being gracious and polite; our lives also are enriched. I find that when I thank God for Jim and other dear ones, I see and cherish them as precious and holy blessings. When I thank God for each new morning, the ordinary day becomes a fresh bonus gift of life to embrace with joy. When I can muster up gratitude for my trials, they can become holy opportunities to deepen in trust or gain new insights. When I thank God for anything–food, health, sunshine, laughter, home–I more readily see my life as a miracle story, too.
For the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Thank you for this world–all of it. Thank you for everything. Deepen my appreciation for every good gift and expand my generosity to share what I can. This life and this world are holy, valuable, and wondrous. May I always regard and treat them as the miracles they are. Thank you.
Our reading for Tuesday (12th) is Mark 10:13-16.
1Breathnach, Sarah Ban. Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. Warner Books, 1995.
Photo by Karen, watercolor painting by my dear and talented (late) father. The window scene brings memories of abundance at my grandmother’s house, memories for which I am thankful.
~~~~~
Matthew 15:32-38 (NRSVUE)
Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat, and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?” Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled, and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children.
10. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: HELP
Thursday, March 7th
Read Mark 12:41-44 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
While Jesus is teaching in the temple, he notices this poor widow placing two small coins into the treasury. The widow’s mite will not make much of a difference for the treasury, but Jesus finds her offering significant, for she has given all that she had. This becomes another teaching opportunity for Jesus to share with his disciples. Jesus values her heart, her intention, her humble generosity, more than any difference she can make.
to be the best version of myself…
This lesson encourages me to not be intimidated by the immensity of a problem or the smallness of me. I alone cannot resolve global issues such as hunger, poverty, injustice, oppression, or depletion of our earth. But I can feed my neighbor, help someone in need, speak up for others, tend our local environment, and support organizations that work for the greater good in our world. Like the widow, I can contribute the resources I do have–all gifts from God–with a generous spirit and genuine compassion.
In his book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gratitude, and Getting Old, Parker Palmer encourages us to “take on big jobs worth doing, jobs like the spread of love, peace, and justice.” We may never be fully successful with undertakings such as these, but he adds:
“Our heroes take on impossible jobs and stay with them for the long haul because they live by a standard that supersedes effectiveness. The name of that standard is faithfulness—faithfulness to your gifts, to the needs of the world, and to offering your gifts to whatever needs are within your reach.” 1
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Help me to live in faithfulness, always doing what I can with the gifts and resources you have generously given me. Let my love join with others, rippling out into the world in wider circles of compassion and care. May I never shrug my shoulders because “there is nothing I can do,” but offer my hands to your loving service, to do all that I can do with your help and guidance.
The reading for Sunday (10th) is Matthew 15:32-38.
1 Palmer, Parker. On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gratitude, and Getting Old. ReadHowYouWant, 2019.
This photo (taken my Karen in Peak, SC) inspired an image of smalls acts of kindness winding their way to join with others.
~~~~~
Mark 12:41-44 (NRSVUE)
He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
9. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: PRAY
Tuesday, March 5th
Read John 11:38-44 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
As Jesus stands before the tomb with his grieving friends, he begins to pray “for the sake of the crowd” that God would honor his evidently earlier prayer that Lazarus be returned to life. “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me…” Jesus trusts that God hears his prayers, and with that trust, he tells Lazarus to come out from the tomb. Imagine the joy for everyone gathered there when Lazarus appears!
to be the best version of myself…
As I consider this prayer of Jesus, “Father, I thank you for having heard me,” I notice that Jesus expresses his gratitude that God has heard his prayer–while he doesn’t specifically include “for raising our friend to life.” I then recall how Jesus endured many disappointments, failures, and sorrows in his life. And yet, he trusted that God had heard each prayer, even in such times as when he “could do no deed of power” in his own hometown (Mark 6:4-5), when his cousin, John was killed (Matthew 14:8-12), or in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he prayed, “remove this cup from me” (Luke 22:42).
Perhaps this is the essential point of prayer–that we are heard, we are understood, and we are companioned through all of life by God, who is Infinite Love. In the times of my life when difficulty could not be avoided, when grief was inescapable, when worry was ever present, I found great peace in my desperate prayers of surrender, “Whatever happens, God, I will be okay if you are with me.” I was comforted to know that I would not face these hardships alone; I would be held by the One who loves beyond my comprehension.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
You are eternal,
ever-present,
around and within.
You hear every prayer,
spoken or silent,
or even unknown to me.
You are ready and waiting,
anticipating,
eager to help or to hold.
May I take your comfort and peace
to share with others;
to attentively listen,
to compassionately understand,
and to lovingly companion
along this journey of life.
Our reading for Thursday (7th) will be Mark 12:41-44.
Photo by Karen; the light of love shines through.
~~~~~
John 11:38-44 (NRSVUE)
Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
8. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: OBSERVE
Sunday, March 3rd
Read Matthew 13:31-32, Matthew 24:32, Luke 12:27 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
The stories of the life and teachings of Jesus often include his observations of the lessons revealed through God’s creation. He keenly perceives how God’s purposes and wisdom are present in our natural surroundings, made visible and understandable for us all. Most of Jesus’ earthly journey seems to be spent outdoors–walking along paths, teaching from hilltops, praying on mountainsides, resting with disciples on the sea. The earth becomes his sanctuary, too.
to be the best version of myself…
I love to spend time outdoors–daily walks in the neighborhood, hikes with Jim through forests, strolls along seashores, restful times on our porch. Graces abound in those times… My hope rises with each sprouting crocus and daffodil. My joy refreshes as the birds sing from treetops or squabble at the feeder. My faith strengthens when leaves quietly surrender to the soil. My peace settles in as snow gently covers the earth. My reverence and wonder increase with every mountain view or starlit sky.
All of creation reveals God’s creativity, wisdom, and generosity, and as Franciscan Priest and Author Richard Rohr writes:
Once we know that the entire physical world around us, all of creation, is both the hiding place and the revelation place of God, this world becomes home, safe, enchanted, offering grace to any who look deeply.1
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
You have given me a heart for your beautiful creation. Please guide me to observe the insights you offer through nature’s diversity, interdependence, rhythm, and beauty. May my life reflect the simplicity, trust, and generosity that nature exemplifies. Keep me mindful of the ways I can better tend this earth, love our humanity, renew the environment, and live in harmony with your creation. For this world IS your sacred home; we find your presence and power everywhere. Thank you.
Our reading for Tuesday (5th) will be John 11:38-44.
1Rohr, Richard. The Universal Christ: How A Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, And Believe. Convergent Books. 2019.
Photo by Karen; I find it depicts the innocent generosity of nature as the milkweed begins to scatter its seeds.
All Bible verses are NRSVUE translation.
~~~~~
Matthew 13:31-32
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
Matthew 24:32
From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.
Luke 12:27
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
7. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: EXCHANGE
Thursday, February 29th
Read Matthew 11:28-30 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
This tender passage of encouragement and comfort is one of my favorites. Jesus invites us to come to him, take on his yoke (his teachings, ways), and find rest for our souls. It is interesting that this invitation comes right after Jesus “began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent” (verse 20). That he follows up with such gentle words seems to indicate that he is scolding the people out of pity more than anger. I sense his frustration rises because they are missing the gifts of freedom and joy found in repentance–the easier yoke, the lighter burden he offers.
to be the best version of myself…
Because he has walked among us, Jesus knows that we are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and he wants to help. Today I am thinking about the burdens I carry that ought to be relieved by repentance; judgmental burdens such as resentment, criticism, or bitterness (especially in political and social issues). But I am also invited to repent of other unnecessary and detrimental burdens, such as guilt, fear, and shame.
Jesus says, “Come to me.” We are invited to exchange our burdens for his yoke. I can exchange my self-righteousness for his humility, my critical spirit for his compassion, my anxious thoughts for his peace, my shame for his forgiveness. He will take the burdens that feel so cumbersome and replace them with his yoke of love and care for all of us.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
As I take the yoke of Jesus, help me to repent and surrender all that I do not need, all that is not pleasing to you nor good for me. When I am inwardly absorbed with disappointment, stress, or worry, I know that my negative words, attitudes, and criticisms can often be outwardly directed. Help me to give my burdens to you–instead of foisting them onto others. As I take on your yoke of freedom and love, and accept your compassionate understanding and forgiveness for myself, may I then extend that same grace–your grace–to others.
Our readings for Sunday will be Matthew 13:31-32 and 24:32, Luke 12:27.
(Photo by Karen, Valley Park resting place.)
~~~~~
Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSVUE)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
6. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: TAKE
Thursday, February 29th
Read Matthew 16:24-26 (copied below).
Follow Jesus…
After Jesus warns his disciples of his future suffering, trials, death, and resurrection (to which Peter begins to rebuke him), he calls to the crowd gathered with them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” He then assures the people that those who lose their lives for his sake will actually save them.
to be the best version of myself…
I recently learned a helpful new insight about Jesus’ invitation to take up our crosses. Alexander John Shaia of Quadratos (his link is offered below) tells us that the cross Jesus is referring to is not the cross of crucifixion. In Jesus’ time, another cross was known to symbolize vitality, authenticity, and wholeness. Alexander John explains that this is the cross Jesus tells us to pick up–a symbol of our journey to completion as we follow and serve him.
So, when Jesus calls me to follow his ways and teachings, he tells me to bring the cross of my authentic self–to be graciously accepted as is, then tenderly perfected on this journey into deeper faith and love. Yes, there will be trials and sorrows as I follow along; times when I–like Peter–will question why life must be this way. I will be asked to pick up what Jesus tells us to carry, the burdens found in love and humble service. But this cross will be one of vitality and authenticity, not the cross of death. I will not be losing life but finding life, life in all its fullness.
for the world.
God, Infinite Love,
Thank you that Jesus calls us to follow him into loving service but also abundant life. Help me to bring my whole self–my full vitality and authenticity–and to pick up any burdens that will bless you and serve others. I thank you for your constant presence on this journey and ask you to guide and teach me well.
Our reading for Thursday (29th) will be Matthew 11:28-30.
Photo by Karen, Kennebunkport, ME. This inspires me to leave the sanctuary of safety to face the bright reality of daily living in Christ.
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Matthew 16:24-26 (NRSVUE)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
Simply Soul Searching 