Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
4. BREATHE DEEPLY OF HOPE
Thursday, December 2nd
(NOSE)
Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. ~ Genesis 2:7
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” ~ John 20:21-22
Every breath is a resurrection. ~ Gregory Orr
I am so fortunate to be able to breathe easily. I have heard of the very difficult and often frightening challenges faced by friends who have asthma or other respiratory troubles. One time as a child, I fell on my chest and had the “wind knocked out of me.” There were a few panicked moments when I could not draw my much-needed breath back into my lungs.
And for all of us, aren’t there times when we feel as if life has knocked the wind out of us? Yes, we are still breathing, but we wonder when we will be able to breathe freely, without worry or fear or dread or pain. We may find ourselves holding our breath as we await the possibility of bad news; we may gasp for air as we are overcome with exhaustion from immense challenges; or we may choke on our sobs in times of grief and sorrow. We feel as though we are lacking that breath of hope that gives us life in abundance.
Our Advent hope for today is found in knowing that God, through Jesus and the Spirit, will continue to breathe into us. The Spirit will breathe into us enough life, strength, patience, comfort – and hope – for the next moment, one breath at a time. Through all of our struggles and discomforts, the breath of life will continue to blow, every breath will offer a resurrection into new life. And in that moment when we breathe our last earthly breath, we will breathe in the new life of our complete and eternal resurrection. Hope is abundantly given to us with every breath we take.
As we think of this God-given, life-giving breath, I am reminded of the month after Jim’s heart surgery, when he was instructed to blow into an incentive spirometer to keep his lungs open and clear. Blowing out kept his lungs strong, ensured that his lungs would draw in more air, and prevented pneumonia. This provides another meaningful example for us: the more we learn to release and expend any of our pent-up air of worries or fears or anger, the more the Spirit is able to fully replenish us with the fresh air of goodness and love.
Today let’s take a few deep breaths throughout the day and imagine breathing in God. Thank God for the air we breathe, for each little resurrection, perhaps even for a scent or aroma that brings hope.
Breathe. How will you feel the breath of hope filling your soul today?
Prayer: God of all life, open my soul to breathe deeply of your goodness and hope today. Keep me from taking your breath of life for granted; keep me mindful of your presence. As I breathe in your hope-filled Spirit, fill me fully and freshly with the hope that may be shared with others today. Amen.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com
3. SPEAK ENCOURAGINGLY OF HOPE
Wednesday, December 1st
(MOUTH)
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. ~ Ephesians 4:29
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
A positive statement propels hope toward a better future, it builds up your faith and that of others, and it promotes change. ~ Jan Dargatz
Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push – a smile. A word of optimism and hope, a ‘you can do it!’ when things are tough. ~ Richard M. DeVos
There are numerous stories of those remarkable times when a simple encouraging word made a great difference in someone’s life. Words of encouragement can serve as one shining light for another’s path, one small nudge toward a better direction, one gentle reminder of one’s goodness and potential. Some of my memorable ones are: “You are a good daughter” (after I had been in trouble). “I would keep this paper if I were you – it is excellent” (from an 8th grade English teacher). “I will make you cancer-free” (from my dear oncologist).
One of my favorite ways to share encouragement is to pass along uplifting words that I have heard others say about someone. My pastor had expressed his appreciation for Joe, the helpful employee at our local grocery store. The next time I saw Joe, I shared what I had heard about him, how my pastor was so grateful for his helpful spirit. Joe’s face lit up with a smile as he almost incredulously asked, “Really?” I could tell this brightened his day. We are encouraged when people tell us the good qualities they see in us, but even more so when we learn that they are talking about our good qualities with others! To discover that we are being remembered and appreciated, even in our absence, makes a powerful and positive impact.
Today, let’s be mindful of opportunities to speak words of encouragement to others, to give them hope by sharing our hope in them and for them; to share the hope we have in Christ for new beginnings and fresh starts.
Speak. Who might need your words of hope and encouragement today?
Prayer: God of all hopefulness, keep me mindful for opportunities to speak a word of hope for others. Guide my words to be uplifting, kind, encouraging. Show me who may need a shining light toward a brighter future, a nudge to pursue a dream, or a reminder of one’s goodness and potential. May my words reveal the hopeful presence of Christ for all who need to hear and know today. Amen.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Bible verses are taken from https://www.biblegateway.com
2. LISTEN QUIETLY FOR HOPE
Tuesday, November 30th
(EARS)
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard: Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
~ Jeremiah 33:1-3 (NRSV)
In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair. ~ Howard Thurman
The birds of hope are everywhere, listen to them sing. ~ Terri Guillemets
Jeremiah was a prophet who spoke both words of warning (before the fall of Jerusalem) and words of hope (during the Babylonian exile) to the people of Judah. Jeremiah is known for his reluctance to answer God’s call to serve as a prophet because he felt discouraged and incapable. In this passage from chapter 33, God promises the imprisoned Jeremiah that God will reveal the “great and hidden” answers that Jeremiah needs. God continues in the next passages to promise the good things that are to come – giving Jeremiah the encouragement and hope to persevere.
When trying to make difficult decisions, do you ever sense that you have the answer – but it is one that you are reluctant to face – so you continue to seek advice, hoping that someone will affirm you are right, or relieve your guilt, or reassure you that all will be well? I recall the years leading up to my eventual divorce, when my search for direction was a desperate one. There were no easy, happy paths to take, and so I was reluctant to choose any of them. I prayed, read the Bible, journaled, talked with friends, sought counseling, read books – all the while hoping for one clear answer from God.
One quiet night, a sudden and fervent prayer came: “God, I know that whatever happens, I will be okay because you are with me.” A profound feeling of peace overwhelmed me. I did not yet have a clear answer or direction, but I knew that God would be with me and my family, loving and helping us through every step on whatever path lay ahead. That was enough to give me courage and hope for the days to come.
Today, let’s listen for the hope found in the quiet presence of God. Let’s listen, not for answers or directions, but simply to notice that God is with us, loving us, in this very moment. We will be listening for the quiet voice of hope, paying attention to the things we hear – a word that suddenly resonates, a song that touches our heart, a soft sound in the distance, a whisper from our inner soul.
Listen. Where might God be sharing a word of hope for you today?
Prayer: Ever-present God, open my ears to hear all of my reasons for hope today. Keep me aware and attentive so that I may listen well for you, if only to comprehend your infinite yet quiet presence with me. May my quiet spirit become the hopeful presence of Christ, as we enter into the noisy distractions of daily living. Amen.
Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
Bible verse found at https://www.biblegateway.com
1. WATCH ATTENTIVELY FOR HOPE
Monday, November 29th
(EYES)
Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ~ Matthew 7:7-8 (NRSV)
When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart… ~ Jeremiah 29:13 (NRSV)
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. ~ Marcel Proust
A few years ago, we were joking with our son about the way he leaves those little plastic toothpick flossers scattered “conveniently” throughout the house. The next week, I spotted a flosser on my morning walk and teasingly texted him a photo of it. Since that time, I have taken dozens of photos of these flossers; I have been surprised by how many I have found! I would normally have overlooked these small discarded items, but now they have a story behind them – a significance for me – and so I notice them more often.
Jesus tells us that when we search for the things of God, we will find them. God’s loving presence is being revealed to us all the time, but we aren’t always searching or watching for it. We are distracted by our own expectations, perceptions, and assumptions of what God’s presence should look like and when it should appear. God is with us in this very moment. Are we noticing God’s presence in the ordinary silence or are we waiting for a voice from the heavens? Are we welcoming God’s presence right here and now, or are we waiting for Sunday?
Today, let’s invite God to keep us aware and open, to notice where our hope can be found – even in the smallest places, even in unexpected moments, even in unlikely people. In doing so, may we radiate a watchful expectancy, bringing a presence of hope into our surroundings. And at the end of our day, may we find that we have been uplifted by our sightings, strengthened in our faith, and filled with an abiding hope that shines for others.
Watch. Where will you see the hope-filled presence of God in Christ today?
Prayer: Ever-present God, open my eyes to see all of my reasons for hope today. Keep me aware and attentive so that I may notice the ways you are moving, guiding, helping, and loving us all. May my spirit carry the hope-filled presence of Christ into every room I enter, for every person I encounter, through every moment of this day. Amen.
Photo by Daniel Lerman on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
WEEK ONE: BEACONS OF ADVENT HOPE
Sunday, November 28th
Light the first candle of Hope.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
~ Psalm 33:20-22 (NRSV)
Let’s envision a child who is hoping for one special Christmas gift. He becomes quite watchful, looking everywhere for signs that his wish will come true – that the present will soon be his. One day, he actually finds a wrapped gift hidden in the corner of a closet. He very carefully removes one edge of tape, and sees a tiny glimpse of what might be his hoped-for treasure! Each day his excitement grows, as he quietly sneaks into the closet to tear a little bit more of the paper so that more of the gift is revealed. He eventually sees enough of the gift to know with certainty that yes, this IS the gift he has longed for, already there and ready for him! He will now eagerly wait for Christmas morning, when he can completely unwrap and fully enjoy the wonderful present.
This is our gift of Advent hope. We already know that Jesus has come, we even know that Christ is here with us now. We see glimpses of his presence every day, and as we become more attentive, we will keep tearing away the layers that keep us from seeing and experiencing him more fully. Our Advent hope comes from feeling the presence of Christ here and now, and in our longing for that day when we will fully know and love him.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. ~ Ephesians 1:17-19 (NRSV)
Light the Christ candle.
“Lighthouses don’t go running all over the island looking for boats to save;
they just stand there shining.”
~ Anne Lamott, in Bird by Bird
How will we shine with the bright hope of Christ this week? How will we light the way for those who need hope for their days? Let’s use our senses to remain attentive to the hope of Christ around and within us. The more we notice this hope, we will find that our own hope becomes more certain. And the more we use our senses to draw in and absorb this hope found in Christ, we will find that we become bright beacons that shine with hope for others.
(A Definition Prayer of Hope)
God-With-Us,
Strengthen my faith, that I may fully expect, trust, and hope in you.
Deepen my love, that I may longingly desire, yearn, and hope for you.
Connect my soul, that I may patiently pray, contemplate, and hope with you.
Awaken my senses, that I may eagerly anticipate, await, and hope upon you.
Amen.
Coming Monday: Watch Attentively for Hope (Eyes)
Photo by Evgeni Tcherkasski on Unsplash
Bible verses taken from https://www.biblegateway.com/
A SEASON TO SENSE, A SEASON TO SHINE (ADVENT REFLECTIONS 2021)
This year’s Advent Reflections will be an opportunity for us to seek and experience more of the presence of Christ through our physical senses (eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and hands). Each weekday, we will reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that God in Christ brings, with a short meditation and an invitation to notice each gift more fully with our bodies and senses as we go about our day. Our intention will be twofold. First, we hope to notice and experience Christ’s presence more often. Then, as we carry this awareness and expectation with us, we hope to become visible bearers of the presence of Christ ourselves.
What small differences might we make if we were to carry a certain expectation or spirit with us each day – to begin our day with a special focus, a light to carry with us? I think of different people who change the atmosphere of the moment simply with their presence. A hopeful person encourages and uplifts my countenance. A peaceful person calms my spirit with gentle serenity. A joyful person makes every occasion more celebratory. A loving person gladly welcomes me, making me feel appreciated and special.
This Advent, may we become visible bearers of bright hopefulness, gentle peacefulness, radiant joyfulness, and tender lovingkindness. May we serve as beacons of the divine Advent light of Christ, radiating his goodness on all we encounter, as we watch and wait – with all of our senses – once again.
(We will begin our Advent Reflections on the First Sunday of Advent, this Sunday, November 28th. Our Sunday devotions will include the lighting of the candles on an Advent wreath. If you do not have one, you may simply use five candles; one candle each to represent hope, peace, joy, and love, with the Christ candle in the center. There will be additional reflections each weekday. Saturday will serve as a day to reflect on the week, with no meditation provided.)
Photo by D A V I D S O N L U N A on Unsplash
“NA-NO-WRI-MO”
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(Friday, October 29th)
REFLECTION:
My reflection for this week is probably best told just as it unfolded for me…
I had been pondering a different idea for this week’s post. The general theme seemed pretty clear, but I could not find the right words or the deeper inspiration to write about it. I kept editing and revamping, struggling to clarify the precise message. I was determined to keep trying, all the way until Friday, hoping to have something meaningful come together.
Then, on my morning walk a few days ago, I noticed this bridge hidden in brush and weeds (in the above photo). Its symbolism was profound for me – I have a path to follow, I just need to remove the obstacles! So, I began writing about that. Soon I was struggling and stymied all over again. It seemed as if the problem was with the traveler more than the bridge.
As I continued to ponder and pray, I happened to listen to an old Rob Bell “Robcast”; in this episode, he mentioned that there are times when we benefit from letting go, even letting go of things in which we have invested much time and energy. That very same day, I received an email from podcaster and writer, Sarah Werner, who was asking herself and her fellow writers, “When is it time to move on?” The following morning, I had an email from Greg McKeown, author of the book, Essentialism. His One-Minute Wednesday subject line read: “You Need A Break.”
I sensed God was repeating – and repeating – the same message, because God knows me well. Once I am on a mission, I become quite determined (stubborn) to finish what I begin, to keep my commitments, to be faithful to my regular readers. But it certainly seems that my message for this week is: “It’s time to take a break from your blog writing.”
At first I felt reluctant to take time away, but in these past few weeks, I had been feeling more repetitive, stale, and lackluster with my weekly posts. As this idea simmered in my soul, I realized that the quality of my writing is more important than the frequency. I then made the decision to pause my blog writing for the month of November.
The invitation is timely. For many writers, this coming month is called, “NaNoWriMo” – National November Writing Month. Each year, November serves as a prompt for us to be more intentional about working on our books or other writing projects. As I pause from my blog posts, I plan to finally edit the draft of my long-neglected book. But I also hope to replenish my spirit with lots of reading and reflection. It is time to fill my soul with the wisdom and inspiration of God through other writers. And of course, I will begin to contemplate the season of Advent, my favorite time of year!
So that was my invitation for this week – but today I am wondering if my invitation may also be meant for you.
Is there something you have been clinging to, pushing through, struggling with, that you simply need to let go?
As always, I will hold you all in my heart and prayers this month. See you in Advent!
BENEDICTION:
As you go about your daily life
may you attend to deeper meaning.
May you notice all the quiet nudges
and the wisdom you are gleaning.
May God give you good clarity
for which purposes to pursue
to help you find and keep the ones
which are genuine and true.
May you even hear the whispers
you may not wish to hear;
just bear in mind how much God loves
and holds you close and dear.
May you check your motivation
and let God help you decide
what is pure determination
and what is stubborn pride.
May each new day bring inner joy
and purposes that bless
while tending to your spirit –
knowing when to work and rest.
May your life become a vessel
of God’s love poured out through you,
but keep your vessel lifted up;
God’s love will pour in, too.
BIBLE PASSAGES TO BLESS YOUR WEEK:
Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10 (NRSV)
The plans of the mind belong to mortals,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All one’s ways may be pure in one’s own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:1-3(NRSV)
And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20 (NRSV)
We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19 (NRSV)
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NRSV)
~~~~~
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen
FILLING IN THE GAPS
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(Friday, October 22nd)
REFLECTION:
My friend Debbie and I were chatting over coffee one morning, finally reconnecting after months of isolation. We both had been feeling uninspired; we sensed a lack of purpose or direction, and we recognized how our recent responsibilities and burdens had contributed to these feelings. At one point, Debbie quietly observed, “Maybe for right now I am called to just fill in the gaps.” Her insightful words really resonated with me, and I knew I was being invited to reflect on her idea this week…
If we are attentive, we can find gaps all around us every day. There are gaps between a lonely person and a caring friend. An empty stomach and a warm meal. An anxious mindset and a caring prayer. An aching heart and a hug of compassion. A wound of misunderstanding and an empathetic ear. A fevered body and a tender caress. A pair of cold hands and a pair of warm mittens. A disheartened soul and a word of encouragement. A parentless child and a loving home. A struggling student and a helpful tutor. These empty spaces are yearning to be filled by someone who cares.
Could filling in the gaps actually become our greatest purpose?
I struggle somewhat with this question. My desire to find and fulfill a significant purpose has only deepened in these years after overcoming cancer. I feel this immense gratitude for life, almost as if I need to be worthy of these bonus days. These inner questions come to mind: “Why am I still here? Am I meant to do something special? How will I make the most of this life, this life that others were not as fortunate to enjoy?” I want my life to matter. I want to be known or remembered as having made a major, good difference. I want my life to be more than gap-filling.
When I used to run 5K and 10K races, I had a recurring dream. In each dream, I would be running eagerly toward the finish line, excited to achieve my fastest time. Suddenly people would walk right in front of me and begin chatting, oblivious to my pursuit. Then, my route would be diverted into a building with lots of hallways and stairwells so I could not find my way out. I would awaken feeling very frustrated, annoyed with the interruptions and detours that had prevented me from reaching my goal!
Our dreams and goals are beneficial and worthwhile. But are there times we become so intent on pursuing our greater purpose, that the person in front of us becomes a hindrance instead of an unexpected new friend? Does a detour become an obstacle, rather than an exciting new place to discover? How often do we see our gap-filling as a hurdle to overcome, instead of a generous outflow of lovingkindness?
Jesus stopped to help people all along his journey. Their needs were his ultimate purpose. Today I feel led to be more humbly open to God’s movement, to watch for any gaps I might fill even as I continue to dream and pursue other goals.
The needs of our world are many and huge; we do have work to do. But there is still so much goodness in the world. I am thankful for Debbie and all gap-fillers who step up to fill the empty spaces of pain, sadness, or despair. Maybe the gaps are where the real work is done, where the biggest differences are made. We can be part of that goodness – filling one gap at a time.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
BENEDICTION:
May you take your day’s agenda
and present it to the One
who knows exactly what is needed
before the day is done.
May you pursue your dreams and goals –
the ones you hold most dear –
while keeping eyes wide open
for the fear, the frown, the tear.
May you fill each gap with tender love,
reduce each gap with care,
or close each gap with friendship
and the kindness that you share.
May you trust that your great legacy
is one that God provides,
as you fill the gaps along your path,
with God to help and guide.
May you surrender your frustrations
as you remember at day’s end
the words Christ says about your acts:
“Well done, my faithful friend.”
BIBLE PASSAGES TO BLESS YOUR WEEK:
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus… For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:3-5, 13 (NRSV)
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for 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 who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:34-39 (NRSV)
And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
John 13:2b-5, 12-17 (NRSV)
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 (NRSV)
~~~~~
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
(Photo by Karen)
THE WORDS WE CHOOSE
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(Friday, October 15th)
REFLECTION:
A few days ago, as I journaled my morning prayers and reflections, I felt God asking me, “If you could begin fresh and new in every way possible, what would be the first change you would make?”
Oh my goodness. The answer came quickly – and painfully:
“If I could begin completely anew, I would erase all of the embarrassing or stupid or unkind or reactionary words I have said.”
I recalled a few of those moments over the years when I had naïvely made silly or clueless statements, when I angrily spat out hurtful remarks or hastily joined in gossip, or when I quickly assigned the worst of another’s intentions. The expression, her words spilled out, is so aptly descriptive of these times. Words that should have remained unsaid, or at least have been considered further, found a way to escape and render harm or embarrassment. My soul felt the discomfort of spiritual correction that morning!
This journaling prompt may have stemmed from an incident that happened a few months before. I had written an editorial to our local newspaper – a heartfelt plea for people to be vaccinated. I wrote about my time with cancer and how grateful I am to be alive. I also described my uncertainty and fear of the chemotherapy treatments, yet how thankful I am to have taken the risk. With the sincere hope of protecting more people from Covid, I shared my story and my heart.
There were several comments from readers who thanked me and affirmed my words, and the editor sent me a personal note of appreciation. But one reader only tersely commented, “This is stupid.” Oh my, his words surprised and hurt me!
I wish I could tell you that I wanted to respond with understanding, ask him to elaborate, and listen to his differing viewpoints. Instead, I felt very tempted to reply with that classic comeback, “You’re stupid.” I even began mentally composing haughty and critical remarks about his comment. But I refrained from replying because I knew my words would be seen throughout the Charleston area, and they would diminish the loving intention and purpose for my article.
This week, I am seeing how this man’s words were not much different from some of my spilled-out words that I have since regretted. God has compassionately understood and forgiven me, and I am to do the same for this reader. If we are to live as bearers of light and love, we must be mindful that our words – and our responses to the words of others – will become outward examples of our inner integrity.
The words we choose will either foster or hinder the way others perceive the love of Christ in our world. We can choose our words to serve as arsenals of retaliation or instruments of peace. We can utter an angry retort or we can remain silent. We can cleverly insult or lovingly correct. In every trouble or concern, we can blame and name-call, or we can address the issue itself. We can pause and pray before responding; we can ask for the grace to be kind, truthful, merciful, encouraging, and thoughtful in all we say and do.
In merciful love, God compassionately and completely erases every regrettable, hurtful word that we have said or written…
In tender care, God rewrites messages for healing and growth out of every callous, hurtful word that we have heard or read…
In radiant hope, God offers all of us new voices and new pens, so that we may create better stories – our ongoing stories of understanding, lovingkindness, and community, and our eternal story of the goodness of God.
BENEDICTION:
May you come to God in gratitude
for this, a fresh new day
and ask God’s love to flow through you
in all you do and say.
May your words become a sacred part
of God’s eternal Word.
May your voice become a holy space
where peace and love are heard.
May the words you speak be kind and good
and merciful and true.
And when you don’t know what to say,
let your silence speak for you.
May you give God every hurtful word
that lingers in your heart;
let God rewrite a better tale
of healing and new starts.
May you turn to God for clarity,
for wisdom and insight,
with understanding, patience, peace,
and joy to do what’s right.
May you speak with gentle kindness
and listen with soft grace.
May you write a hopeful story
with God to edit and erase.
May you always try to bear in mind:
with every word you have the choice
to use the ones that foster love.
Give God your pen and voice.
BIBLE PASSAGES TO BLESS YOUR WEEK:
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 (NRSV)
One who spares words is knowledgeable;
one who is cool in spirit has understanding.
Even fools who keep silent are considered wise;
when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.
Proverbs 17:27-28 (NRSV)
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NRSV)
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24 (NRSV)
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6 (NRSV)
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.
James 1:19-20 (NRSV)
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Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
(Photo by Karen)
CHANGING LANDSCAPES
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(Friday, October 8th)
REFLECTION:
When we first moved to our home here in West Virginia, I was so happy to discover a place along my neighborhood walking route that offered a quiet, solitary moment among beautiful hills and meadows. This soon became a sanctuary of sorts for me. I have ventured out to see glorious sunrises, foggy views, magnificent skies, frosty or snowy fields, silent deer and noisy geese. This place is where I pause to thank God for each new day.
Recently I learned that my sacred space will soon be changing. The city has been developing the area into a recreational park – including a playground and soccer fields – and the changes will soon impact “my” holy meadow. This week I am seeing the backhoes and wood chippers coming into my view. As much as I am relieved that this hillside will become a park and not a commercial development, I am grieving the loss of my quiet, solitary, natural, “private” sanctuary.
The landscapes of life are continually changing, aren’t they? Here in the northern hemisphere, we are seeing the landscape changes of the autumn season, with brighter colors but shorter days. When I last visited my hometown, I found that my junior high school had been replaced with a soccer field. My childhood home is now occupied by someone new and unfamiliar. Jim and I like to revisit some of our favorite vacation spots, but they are always different in some way. The landscapes of life keep changing, evolving, and at times, improving – with or without our approval or consent.
Today I am reminded of God’s constant and loving presence through all the changing landscapes of life. These changes may bring grief and a sense of loss, but they can also bring growth and a sense of opportunity, if we place ourselves into the transforming care of God. In these times, we can ask God to comfort our grief, change our perspective, inspire us to action, turn our focus, learn to accept, think of others, give us wisdom, or deepen our faith. God can lovingly bring goodness out of every new and different circumstance or experience, every changing landscape.
This current changing landscape is a minor loss, but I hope that the lessons I am gleaning will inspire and equip me for any other changes that may come. I am learning to ask God the questions that will help for every change in life. Is there a new route I should take? What opportunity have I not yet seen? Is my loss someone else’s gift? Will I become a conduit of your love for someone who will be drawn to this new landscape? How can I hold the gratitude in my heart for what was, while embracing what is and will be? Am I being nudged to advocate for the care of our changing earthly landscape? In what ways will this change transform me into a better person? Is there some new plan that I do not yet perceive?
I wonder if I may find that this new park will be even better than my solitary sanctuary.
More importantly, I wonder if I may become a better person, through the work of God’s transforming love.
BENEDICTION:
When the landscape is unfamiliar
and the wilderness seems vast,
may you turn to take the hand of One
who guides and holds you fast.
May you place each changing landscape
into God’s all-knowing care
and ask how you may use this well
as you come to God in prayer.
May you hold in deepest gratitude
the landscapes you have known
as you follow holy cloud and fire
the journey you’ll be shown.
May you go forth in expectation
of great wonders (now concealed)
as you explore these new horizons
for the joy to be revealed.
BIBLE PASSAGES TO BLESS YOUR WEEK:
God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea… The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Exodus 13:18, 21-22 (NRSV)
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NRSV)
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Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
(Photos by Karen, Hurricane, WV)
Simply Soul Searching 