Simply Soul Searching

Sunday, December 12th

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends… ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NRSV) 

Let all that you do be done in love. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NRSV)

Light the four candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Vindicate me, O Lord,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
    test my heart and mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in faithfulness to you.
~ Psalm 26:1-3 (NRSV)

I grew up near Toledo, Ohio, within about an hour’s drive from Lake Erie. On hot summer days, my parents would sometimes take our family to the beach for a cookout and swim time. My dad would grill burgers or hot dogs over a charcoal fire, but with all of us gathered at the picnic table impatiently waiting for our lunch, he would often grill while the coals were still flaming hot, before they had settled to a more constant, radiant heat. In later years, my siblings and I would laughingly recall how he would often say – a few hours after we had eaten – “The coals are just right for grilling now.”

This week we will be mindful to glow with embers of Advent Love that God shares with us through Christ. As the Psalm describes, God’s love is a steadfast love, one that is steady, true, unwavering, unchanging. That is our invitation for this week, to live with a love that is steady and true. We are called to live in a love that remains constant and unwavering even when we are challenged by trying times or testy people. We are called to live with that same steadfast love that is even-tempered; a love that is patient and kind… a love that bears all things… a love that never ends. There are times when our love can be demonstrated with unwavering mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, even when it is necessary for us to keep our distance, set boundaries, or stand for justice.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ~ John 13:34-35 (NRSV)

Light the Christ candle.

Just before Jesus gave this new commandment to love one another, he washed his disciples’ feet – including the feet of Judas, the one who was to betray him. His love was the steadfast love of God, a love that continued to serve in humility and compassion, even in desperate times. This week, may we follow his example, as we absorb his abiding and ever-present love, then share that love with others. May we glow as loving embers of Christ, radiating his love with warmth and light that is steadfast and constant.

Listen with ears of tolerance; see through eyes of compassion; speak with the language of love. ~ Rumi

How will we glow with the steadfast love of Christ this week? Let’s use our senses more fully to seek and receive his love all around us. Let’s allow his love to mellow within us; allow his love to mature and refine ours. May we become his embers of love for everyone we encounter.

A Definition Prayer of Love

God-With-Us,
Empty my heart with your love, so that I may yearn for you with a deep desire and holy longing.
Expand my heart with your love, so that I may care for others with sincere affection and kind endearment. 
Ease my heart with your love, so that I may heal the world with soothing tenderness and comforting warmth.
Enlarge my heart with your love, so that I may praise you with full adoration and genuine worship.
Amen.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Friday, December 17th
(HANDS)

Clap your hands, all you peoples;
    shout to God with loud songs of joy.
For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome,
    a great king over all the earth.
Psalm 47:1-2 (NRSV)

For you shall go out in joy,
    and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
    shall burst into song,
    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12 (NRSV)

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands… ~ Well-known children’s song

Applause is not opinion. Applause is a feeling of love for the artist. ~ Vaslav Nijinsky

I have attended a few worship services in which clapping has been discouraged. The intention is that the musicians and speakers are not performing but using their gifts to praise and serve God. They want the gratitude and glory to go to God, not to them. But oh my, there have been times when a certain song or message has overwhelmed the listeners with joy and awe, and everyone has spontaneously applauded. Joy is difficult to contain! And I imagine God loves to see and hear our “inappropriate” joy, don’t you?

There have been times when I have clapped my hands, not to applaud a performance, but simply out of the sheer joy of the moment. I have clapped when movie heroes appeared, after reading a happy ending to a book, as I stood before glorious sunsets, upon hearing good news, at the presence of dear ones at our door, when reaching the summit of a hiking hill. Each time, my impromptu applause broke out because I had been overwhelmed with the joy of excitement, awe, wonder, or relief!

Today we are invited to use our hands to clap for joy, to praise and thank God, and to share a “feeling of love for the artist,” as Vaslav Nijinsky says. Let’s be mindful to notice the miracle in the moments, to appreciate something that we might normally take for granted or let go unnoticed. Let’s display our exuberance for God’s incredible goodness as we shine with joy, as we stand in awe, as we applaud with deep gratitude! Let’s clap with that feeling of deep love for the artist, our Artist, who has created all good things for us to appreciate and enjoy.

Applaud. Where will you behold the goodness of God today and clap with joy and love?

Prayer: God, you are our source of deepest joy, you are the creator of all that is good. May I especially feel overwhelmed by the joy of knowing and loving YOU this day. May my spirit and my heart break out with gleeful and joyful applause even for the gift of life itself. Thank you, God, for your exuberant joy that uplifts and surprises. May the joy you bring within me keep sparking joy for others, too. Amen.

Photo by Guillermo Latorre on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Thursday, December 16th
(NOSE)

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God’s word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence. ~ 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NRSV)

When the petals of the heart unfold fragrance spreads across the valley. ~ Amit Ray

Among the most joyful people I have known have been some who seem to have had no human reason for joy. The sweet fragrance of Christ has shown through their lives. ~ Elizabeth Elliot

Today we are invited to breathe in the aroma of Christ and become that aroma for others. Just for fun, let’s take a moment to imagine what the aroma of Christ might smell like. As we think about the realities of Jesus’s life, perhaps we should include the smells of dusty feet and strong sweat that come from walking, working, and serving! But today, could his loving and abiding presence be like the warm, gentle scent of a wax candle burning? The sweet aroma of sugar cookies baking? The delightful fragrance of lovely flowers unfolding? The crisp clean sense of fresh air blowing?

Can you feel the joy welling up inside as you imagine these scents? These fragrant smells can remind us of special people or places, delightful memories, and significant moments, too. For example, I love the scent of a certain hand cream just because my dear grandmother used it. The musty smell of old books brings happy thoughts of reading and exploring library shelves. The waxy smell of a newly opened box of crayons reminds me of my excitement for a new school year. The soft, warm scent of a candle burning creates an atmosphere of coziness and sacredness to our home.

How might we remain mindful of being and sharing the aroma of Christ today? Perhaps we can light some incense, or put on our favorite fragrance, or set out some essential oils. We might be mindful while we are baking sweet treats, simmering spicy soups, or laundering with freshly scented detergent. We might breathe in the warm smell of a fire burning, or the crisp, clear air of a new snowfall.

Let’s notice and appreciate the scents we encounter as we go through our day, letting them remind us of the fragrant love of Christ that brings our joy. Let’s become like that fragrant love in delightful ways with those near and dear to us, too. The quote by Amit Ray is a good one for us to keep in mind, that as “the petals of the heart unfold fragrance spreads…” How might we gently open our hearts in new ways, so that the joyful fragrance of Christ may be released?

Absorb. What scents will remind you of the joy of Christ today?

Prayer: Joy-giving God, thank you for your fragrant presence in my life. Let me become your joyful presence by opening my heart to you and to those around me. May I breathe in your goodness while spreading your joy with delightful moments throughout this day. Amen

Photo by James Lee on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Wednesday, December 15th
(MOUTH)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me,
    and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant;
    so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord,
    and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good;
    happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
    for those who fear him have no want.
The young lions suffer want and hunger,
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Psalm 34:4-10 (NRSV)

Your words were found, and I ate them,
    and your words became to me a joy
    and the delight of my heart;
for I am called by your name,
    O Lord, God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 (NRSV)

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

What are some of the tastes that bring you joy? The tastes that come to my mind are a mug of hot hazelnut coffee early in the morning; a pint of fresh strawberries from a roadside stand in early summer; a handful of salty cashews and a glass of sparkling water as my afternoon snack; our favorite taco soup recipe on a cool autumn day; and my once-a-year sweet treat: frosted cut-out cookies at Christmastime! These delicious tastes, along with the special moments, bring me such inner contentment and joy.

I lost my sense of taste in the later months of my chemotherapy. The lack of taste didn’t affect me as much as the sudden awareness and prominence of the textures of foods! When the taste is lacking, the texture really overwhelms, and I could barely swallow some foods that felt rubbery or lumpy. I needed to keep up my strength and health, so I ate solely to nourish my body, finding no pleasure in doing so.

Life without the taste of joy can feel like that. We may go on surviving, tending, or maintaining, but we receive no enjoyment or pleasure. The tastes of life – sweet relationships, refreshing experiences, satisfying purposes – are diminished, while the textures of life – mundane tasks, tedious chores, burdensome responsibilities – become difficult to swallow. We may go through the motions of the day, unable to find the meaning or the mission in them, unable to find the purposes and promises that bring us joy in doing them.

Today we are invited to “taste and see” the goodness of the Lord. Jesus comes to give us life that is rich, full, and satisfying. He comes, not just to sustain but to season our lives. He comes, not just to help us survive, but to help us savor our days. And we can taste the goodness of God in Christ through absorbing his wonderful presence in the word, in the bread and wine, in the sharing of community, and most of all, in his Spirit that dwells within us. The inner joy of Christ can bring taste to the textures of our days.*

Taste. How might God in Christ flavor your day today?

Prayer: Loving God, in Christ you long to give us abundant life; a life that is meant to be savored and relished. Help me to turn to you when my soul is lacking, that you may supply your joy – and restore mine. Thank you for all the ways you have brought zest, flavor, and richness to my life. Today, as I eat and drink, let me be mindful of your sweet joy. Let me also be mindful of those who may not be experiencing your joy today and show me how to help. Amen.

*As i write this, I am mindful of the realities of deep discouragement or depression, of terrible hardship or grief, of physical or mental illness. There are times when “the joy of the Lord” will be difficult to find or feel; times when we will benefit from medicines, therapies, counseling, and other sources of help. Jesus has known anxiety, grief, and weariness, too. You may find comfort in reading about Jesus at this beautiful site, https://hegetsus.com/.

Photo by Anna Kumpan on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Tuesday, December 14^th
(EARS)

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
    and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
    their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
Psalm 19:1-4 (NRSV)

For your own joy and happiness, reevaluate what you watch and listen to. (Unknown, found at Happiness Around)

It’s not in the hearing that improves life. It’s in the listening. ~ Jackie Trottmann

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing. And sweet to remember. We are nearer to Spring than we were in September. I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. ~ Oliver Herford

Today our invitation is to pay attention to the sounds of joy, especially in God’s good creation. Several Bible verses speak of creation resounding with joyful praise, and this makes perfect sense; for God in Christ is IN all of creation. The universe began with every energy particle needed to create the beauty of nature, Jesus, and all of us.

My daily walks and our weekend hikes serve as holy spaces. I feel so close to God when I am outside, taking in the wonder of all God has created…

The sounds of nature do ring with joyful praise! I notice how cheerful birdsong gradually begins earlier and becomes louder as it heralds in the springtime. Our grand-dogs bark to enthusiastically greet us, tails wagging, as we turn into the driveway. Squirrels chatter as they chase around on the tightropes of branches and wires. The breeze briskly rustles through the leaves, clearing them for the winter. A cardinal sings out clearly, eagerly calling for its mate. The rainfall on our roof sounds like applause, and the thunder still reminds me of angels bowling. Frogs croak with a low hum while crickets add their background chirps. Gentle streams seem to bubble up, while rushing waterfalls seem to burst forth with joy!

Today, let’s try to find a few minutes to be out in nature, being mindful to notice joyful sounds. Let’s thank God for this small moment of worship and praise, for this beautiful creation, and for this joy that abounds. May we absorb the sounds of joy to carry with us throughout our day, and may we too, become part of nature’s joyful worship and celebration.

Listen. Where do you hear creation singing with joy today?

Prayer: God of this incredible creation, thank you for the sounds of joy. Enable me to fully join with all of creation to sing of your joy and love. Remind me of my reasons for joy, and let my words or songs resound with nature’s glorious praise. Amen.

Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Monday, December 13th
(EYES)

Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ~ 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NRSV)

Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

You have to look for the joy. Look for the light of God that is hitting your life, and you will find sparkles you didn’t know were there. ~ Barbara Johnson

While I was receiving chemotherapy treatments, there came a time when my white blood cell count dropped quite low, which meant my immunity was low, too. I generally stayed home to isolate, but when i needed to go out, I wore a mask (little did I know this would later become a regular routine!). One day I was chatting with a gentleman as we rode the hospital elevator. He said some kind and uplifting words to me, so I asked him, “Can you tell I am smiling under this mask?” He smiled back and replied, “I know you’re smiling because I see the sparkle in your eyes.”

Today we are invited to see and share the joy of Christ – to be mindful of using our eyes to notice reasons for joy and then to convey that inner joy, too.

In today’s Bible passage, Peter writes of the joy we have in Christ Jesus, even though we cannot see him. Oh, we may not see his physical body, but we can find his presence everywhere! Since the beginning of the universe, Jesus Christ has been with us – through the Word, through his life, through his Spirit, through all of creation. When we open our eyes to see him, when we open our hearts to find him, we will find him everywhere – and in him we will also find great joy.

In the same way, let’s be mindful that even when people may not see our smiles – when we are masked, when we are thoughtful or serious, when we are listening with compassion – they may still see our inner joy shining, our genuine love twinkling, through our eyes that have witnessed Christ’s presence, deeply and often.

Twinkle. What joy might you find today that will bring a twinkle to your eyes?

Prayer: Loving Jesus, I deeply long to see and to share your joy. Keep my eyes focused and attentive, that I may see your presence, notice your goodness, and take in your joy. Then, open my eyes to see those who need your joy today and to share that joy with them. May my eyes and my countenance sparkle with the incredible joy that you bring. Amen.

Photo by Caju Gomes on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Sunday, December 12th

Light the first and second candles of Hope and Peace, then the third candle of Joy.

I keep the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
    my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
    or let your faithful one see the Pit.
You show me the path of life.
    In your presence there is fullness of joy;
    in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:8-11 (NRSV)

Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God. ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

So much of our joy is found in the company we keep, isn’t it? I recall several mission trips with our youth group; the tasks we did were often challenging and miserable, but our joy came from serving others while building friendships with our students and leaders. During our difficult year of serious illness, Jim and I received so much joy from our caring visitors and meal preparers. When my children were young, cleaning up the messes in their playroom became a joyful time of singing songs from Godspell and working together. What could have been miserable moments are now treasured memories.

Our experiences do not necessarily dictate our joy, because joy comes from our attitudes, from the company we keep, and from a variety of other sources. And our greatest source of joy is found in Christ.

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. ~ John 15:9-11 (NRSV)

Light the Christ candle.

Many of us are now familiar with Marie Kondo’s method of tidying or decluttering our homes. We are to pick up one object at a time and ask ourselves, “Does this spark joy?” If we find that the item no longer sparks joy, we then discard or donate it. This philosophy works well for our belongings and homes, but it will not work well for the rest of life. We cannot go through life eliminating everything that does not bring us joy.

Instead, we are blessed to know that we have good company for every moment of our lives, every experience that comes our way. We have the One who not only is our ever-present companion, but our constant and best source of joy. His joy will be in us, and our joy will be complete. This week, let’s carry that radiant joy with us, sparking joy upon everyone we meet.

(A Definition Prayer of Joy)

God-With-Us,
Renew my gladness and cheerfulness and let your joy shine through me.
Reveal new wonder and delight and let your joy illuminate within me.
Rekindle my jubilance and exuberance and let your joy radiate from me.
Replenish my comfort and refreshment and let your joy overflow beyond me.
Amen.

¹https://konmari.com/marie-kondo-rules-of-tidying-sparks-joy/

Photo by Cristian Escobar on Unsplash
Bible passages found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Friday, December 10th
(HANDS)

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth… From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ~ John 1:14, 16 (NRSV)

People were bringing little 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 little 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. ~ Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV)

Dear God, I am so afraid to open my clenched fists! Who will I be when I have nothing left to hold on to? Who will I be when I stand before you with empty hands? Please help me to gradually open my hands and to discover that I am not what I own, but what you want to give me. ~ Henri J. M. Nouwen

Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it. ~ Rabindranath Tagore

Through Jesus, we begin to understand how much God wants to bless us! God wants us to receive “grace upon grace” of forgiveness and freedom, of hope, peace, joy, and love, of the entire fullness of God’s kingdom. Can we even fathom how beautiful, how amazing, how peaceful our life together would be – if we could fully welcome and receive every gift that God offers? What makes this so difficult for us?

I believe the difficulty stems from our reluctance to open our hands (and ourselves) to receive God’s goodness, as Henri Nouwen so earnestly admits in his prayer. In order to fully open our hands, we must first empty them – and some things are difficult to release. We cannot readily accept the gifts God offers while we are still clinging to other things. Earlier this week (in Peacefully Rest), I wrote about sharing our burdens with God. Today’s invitation is to release those things we may not want to release – those things we may not consider burdens – but which are keeping us from fully receiving the goodness of God.

What things do you find difficult to release? Do you struggle to let go of finances or schedules that give you a sense of security? Do you find it hard to let go of feelings such as guilt, fear, or hurt, because you have grown accustomed to the weight? Are you reluctant to part with the comforts and freedoms that make life easier? I cannot seem to let go of my often-futile attempts to control my future. I want definite plans and no surprises. What peace am I missing by not allowing God to take my hand and lead me to a new place?

Jesus instructs us that “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Could this serve as a lesson for us – to come to him with open hands, with pure and innocent trust, with the eager willingness of a child? Our peace will not come from working our fingers to the bone, wringing our hands with worry, clenching our fists in anger or frustration, but from opening them in prayer. When we fully embrace the love of God as shown in the infant Jesus, we receive the gifts of hope, trust, joy, and peace, for all that life brings.

Receive. What are you holding that hinders you from receiving all that God longs to give you?

Prayer: Generous God, open my hands and my entire being to fully welcome and receive what you have to offer me today. As I notice my hands throughout the day, keep me mindful of the peace that only you can give. Give me a spirit of innocence, eagerness, and trust. May I bring your peace wherever I go, always to shine upon others. Amen.

Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Thursday, December 9^th
(NOSE)

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (NRSV)

Those who desire life
    and desire to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
    and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
    let them seek peace and pursue it.
~ 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NRSV)

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours. ~ Epictetus

One of the first things to learn if you want to be a contemplative is to mind your own business. Nothing is more suspicious in a man who seems holy, than an impatient desire to reform other men. ~ Thomas Merton

Our Advent focus today is to “keep our nose where it belongs.” Let’s pray for discernment; for the Spirit to turn our noses and focus toward those issues or troubles that need our attention, and to turn our noses and focus away from those that do not. We already have guidance for this discernment, don’t we? We are called to turn to others with caring, compassion, and kindness; we are called to focus on helping those in need, working for peace and justice, and serving one another in humility and love. We are not called to focus on others with judgment, criticism, or condemnation; we are called to focus on healing those who are ill or hurt; comforting those who are sad; and companioning those who are rejected.

1 Peter 3:11 serves as a general guide for us. Today, let’s be mindful to let our noses and focus turn away from evil and do good… as we seek peace and pursue it. May our peacefulness increase as we pause to consider whether our words and actions will be regarded as involvement or intrusion; as we prayerfully decide when to intervene or to ignore; as we learn to recognize what would help and what would hinder. May we turn to every opportunity for good, and turn away from every possibility for harm.

Turn. Where is God calling you to turn? Where is God asking you to turn away?

Prayer: God my Guide, lead me always down the path toward peace. Keep turning my focus to your presence and to the good I can and should do – the direction that brings about greater peace. Turn me away from any acts that will bring about harm, any acts that may bring about my good while diminishing the good of another, any acts that do not please you. Today, keep me ever mindful of where I am putting my nose and my attention, that I may serve as an example of your peace. Amen.

Photo by Ajay Karpur on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/