Simply Soul Searching

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/

Wednesday, December 8th
(MOUTH)

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11(NRSV)

But the Lord is in his holy temple;
    let all the earth keep silence before him!
Habakkuk 2:20 (NRSV)

Being quiet means that you do not waste time, energy, and thoughts on meaningless matters. It means inner peace, serenity, and tranquility. ~ Remez Sasson.

Speak only if it improves upon the silence.  ~ Gandhi

Today’s Advent invitation is to be mindful of our words, or rather, to be mindful of keeping silent communion with God whenever possible. As we go about our day, let’s be attentive to keeping our mouths closed when we can; to refrain from any needless or noisy words. May spending our day a little more quietly foster more reverence, gentleness, and peacefulness in our souls. May stilling our mouths and our souls create more space for God to move, more space for us to notice. May silencing our words and thoughts in our prayer time enable us to fully listen and simply abide in the loving presence of God.

Hush. How might your reverent silence help you to hear God? How might your quiet spirit radiate peace to others?

Prayer:

Keep me mindful, God…

of those times when I come to you
only to fill the quiet spaces
with rote and meaningless prayers.

of those times when I ask of you
only my own questions and requests,
with words I deem important.

of those times when I lament to you
only my troubles, wounds or fears,
without pausing for your peace.

Silence my soul, God…

in those times when you are waiting
to share your good word with me
if only I would silence mine.

in those times when you are hoping
to embrace me with your peace
if only I would be still.

in those times when you are ready
to inspire my reverence and awe…
if only I would hush.
(KLW)

Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Tuesday, December 7^th
(EARS)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. ~ James 3:17-18 (NRSV)

Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. ~ Hebrews 12:14 (NRSV)

Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear. ~ Lord Chesterfield

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. ~ Stephen R. Covey

Listen with ears of tolerance. ~ Rumi

I was having a disagreement with a family member, and we were texting our replies and rebuttals on our cell phones. When I read these text messages aloud to Jim, I realized that I was reading mine with the kindest, gentlest tone, while reading the other ones with the angriest, snarkiest tone! The way I was interpreting each text message revealed my lack of peaceful listening in that moment. I wonder just how often I have not listened with an open mind, but allowed my own disposition, biases, preconceptions, or experiences to influence how I have heard another’s words.

Listening is so much more than hearing words, isn’t it? Today’s Advent invitation is to foster greater peace in ourselves and for others, by being mindful of the way we receive and perceive the words we hear.

Keeping an open mind and spirit while listening does not mean we must receive every word as right or as truth. But we become more peaceful listeners if we can refrain from adding negativity to the message (more hurt, frustration, mean-spiritedness) or subtracting positivity from its intention (less credibility, wisdom, purity). Imagine that a message is being passed to us in a box. Before we even open the box, what might we be expecting or adding to the box that isn’t meant to be included? What might we believe the box will be missing – and so we won’t even seek – that the giver intends for us to receive?   

Today, may we open our ears (and hearts and minds) to listen well, clearly, and free from bias, to weigh and consider, and to seek the best intention in the words we hear.

Listen. Are you listening with a peaceful countenance, in the best spirit, for the clearest intention?

Prayer: Listening God, thank you for your readiness to hear every word, thought, and secret in my soul. Thank you for finding my genuine sincerity when my words falter, for uncovering my true intention when my words gloss over, for knowing my deep desire when my words fail. Open my ears and heart to listen more fully, clearly, and peacefully to you, to others, and to myself. Let me be your peaceful presence for others, seeking the truest and best intentions as I listen today. Amen.


Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Sunday, December 5th

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—
    in peace because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for in the Lord God
    you have an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NRSV)

Light the first candle of Hope and the second candle of Peace.

As I was looking up Bible verses about peace, I was surprised by this one, in which Jesus is telling his disciples:
I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!
~ John 16:33 (NRSV)

In the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (the one I generally use), the word, persecution, surprised me. I had always recalled the verse as, “in the world you face tribulation.” So I began looking up other meanings in various translations, and also found trouble, suffering, both trouble and suffering together, and in my Greek to English translation, affliction. The variety of meanings blessed me with this thought: whether our trials come from persecution from others (ill-treatment, hostility, or harassment), or from trials and tribulations (concerns, misfortunes, burdens), or from our afflictions (pains, sufferings, hardships), Jesus is our peace.

Light the Christ candle.

Jesus overcomes every trouble of the world. Note that he does not say, “In the world you won’t have any more persecution.” In this world, troubles remain, but always the infinite peace of Christ can help us through them. The peace of Christ will overcome each trouble by healing our heartaches, soothing our hurts, clearing our tensions, quieting our fears, and always promising a better and brighter day.

How will we glow with the gentle peace of Christ this week? How will we light the way for those who need peace for their days? Let’s use our senses to remain attentive to the peace of Christ around and within us. Let’s use our favorite spiritual practices to enable God to fill us with peace. Our own peacefulness will deepen as we recognize and remember that we are never alone, no matter what troubles we face. May we each become rays of peace this week, as we sense and absorb the peace of Christ, then shimmer with that peace for others.

A Definition Prayer: Peace

God-With-Us,
Hush my frantic thoughts as I seek your peace in quietude and silence.
Calm my anxious spirit as I feel your peace in stillness and restfulness.
Ease my needless cares as I find your peace in contentment and serenity.
Hold my fearful worries as I receive your peace in comfort and security.
Release my self-centered concerns as I share your peace through harmony and goodwill.
Amen.

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Friday, December 3rd
(HANDS)

Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you…
for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.
~ Psalm 63:3,7-8 (NRSV)

Do not fear, for I am with you,
    do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
~ Isaiah 41:10 (NRSV)

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.  ~ Hebrews 10:23

What is that one thing which will keep us through all turns in life is our hope. Cling to that hope. ~ Garima Dixit

I fondly remember the childhood bedtimes when my younger sister Janet would ask me to hold her hand in the darkness. Her nighttime fears diminished when I reached out to cling to her hand. She could then peacefully sleep, knowing I was near – and she was not alone. Even though I was just a child myself, I found joy in being able to reassure and comfort my little sister. Now as adults, we live miles apart and have our own busy lives and families. But in times of trial or worry, we continue to cling to each other through texts, calls, and prayers. Our fears and concerns are eased by the sharing of our burdens, by the caring of our companionship.  

I like to think that God also finds joy in reassuring and comforting us in the darkness of our fears and worries. God’s promise to Isaiah speaks of that reassurance and hope: Do not fear, I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. God wants to help us, to hold us, to fill us with hope – as we cling to God’s presence in Christ.   

Our hope in Christ does not mean we will avoid trials or hardships, but that we can trust him to be our caring companion, our helper, for every path we travel. We will face and endure the difficulties together, holding fast to each other. We will journey with him through our present darkness, one step at a time, until a new dawn appears.   

Today let’s carry a small token to remind us of our hope in Christ – such as a penny, a cross, a stone, or a rosary. Let’s be mindful to grasp this item throughout the day, and let it serve to remind us of the One in whom we hope, the One who is with us always, and the One who never leaves us alone.

Cling. What hope will you find as you hold fast to Christ today?

Prayer: Jesus, our companion for all of life, help me to be aware of the nearness of your hope-filled presence today. As I cling to you, enable me to release all that is not from you, so that I may receive all that is. May your abiding presence also fill my soul with the hope that encourages, reassures, and comforts others who may be feeling alone in the darkness. Amen.

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

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

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 8^th 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

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