Simply Soul Searching

Our last word of this “Encouraging Word” series is respite.

Merriam-Webster describes respite as: “a period of temporary delay; an interval of rest or relief…”

The other day I started my walk a little earlier because I had a full day ahead. Our week has been hot and muggy, but at 6:00 there was a refreshing coolness still lingering. I enthusiastically ventured out, breathing in the crisp morning air and enjoying the cozy warmth of my soft sweatshirt. The sun created long shadows across the lawns with its perfect golden-yellow light. Birds seemed to be relishing the coolness, too, as they chased and ate and sang. A gentleman from the neighborhood raised his coffee mug to greet me as I passed by.

It was one of those moments when all was right with the world.

I thanked God for that time, an hour when I felt nothing but joy and gratitude. I could now face my day- and the personal concerns within my day, and my worries for the world in recent days- feeling sustained and uplifted with renewed faith. The heaviness of these months becomes more bearable when we are buoyed by these precious, glorious moments of respite.

I wonder if sometimes we make the idea of finding respite harder than it is. By its definition, respite is only a temporary escape, an “interval of rest or relief” in the midst of our burdens or situations. Certainly we are blessed when we are able to have days away, or vacations, or sabbaticals; but these small moments of respite can offer refreshment, clarity, peace and rest during our busiest schedules. When we cannot completely escape our worries and responsibilities, a few minutes of respite provide nourishing pauses for the long haul.

Jesus gives us an example of this in Mark 6. He invites the disciples to come away and rest, but pauses only for a moment because the people need him…

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:30-34 (NIV)

Jesus doesn’t seek a month-long leave of absence. He uses each available moment for quiet rest before continuing to love, heal, teach and serve- so many people!

Whatever nourishes us can serve as a respite for our souls. Respite doesn’t need to be stillness. When I grow numb from writing, I find new creativity by doing a simple task or craft project. Respite can be found in doing artwork, reading, gardening, movie watching, playing sports. Any activity that takes us from the burdens or challenges that weigh us down can serve as a source of respite.

Respite moments can be-
A few minutes of rest for an overloaded schedule.
A few minutes of silence for a mind cluttered by noise.
A few minutes of stretching for a long day at the desk.
A few minutes of conversation for a troubled and introspective soul.
A few minutes of meditation for confused and muddled thoughts.
A few minutes of prayer for a worried countenance.
A few minutes of peaceful music for a grieving heart.

Respite times can replenish us, calm us, invigorate us, center us, strengthen us, and connect us with the One who helps the most. What might you need a respite from today?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Don’t respite for the right time… halt for the moment.” ~Subhradeep Santra

This prayer by Dr. Mark Rowe on Thrive Global is a perfect one for our days, for this time…

As a medical doctor working at the frontline of this pandemic here in Ireland, I would like to share a poem I wrote. Stay safe and stay strong this too shall pass. 

Soul Breath

May the breath of your soul be your wisdom guide,
May the beacon of your soul bring respite inside;
May you bring presence to all that you do,
May care and compassion be that which is you;
May you have the gift of wisdom and staying awake,
May each dawn bring new promise not to forsake;
And dusk find you grateful for the helter-skelter
May night bring serenity and security of shelter;
As day turns to night, and month turns to year,
May the passing of time bring you no fear;
Each day you toil, as life’s depths take their toll,
May love and light bring breath to your soul.¹

God bless you and keep you!

¹https://thriveglobal.com/stories/soul-breath-poem/

Definition of respite found at merriam-webster.com

Bible verses from BibleGateway.com

Quote by Subhradeep Santra found on Pinterest.com

Photo by Karen on the morning of her respite walk.

Today’s encouraging word is motivation.

The Google dictionary describes motivation as “the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.”

Last week I was out on my morning walk when a sudden cloudburst began to drench me. Fortunately, the weather was warm so I continued my walk with a good spirit. But a few minutes later my friend Diana happened to drive by, her umbrella extended out the window for me. This simple act of kindness warmed my soul- and inspired today’s post.

As I have written before, we can never be certain whether our actions will make much of an impact or lead to our desired outcomes. A small act of kindness can blossom into so much more. A huge endeavor may disappoint or fail. The outcomes of our efforts are not guaranteed.

Maybe the significance of our actions should not be measured by the size of their impact, but from the motivation behind them. I am reminded of the words of Jesus about the widow’s offering of a few copper coins: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others… she, out of her poverty, put in everything…” (Mark 12:43-44). Her impact was small. Her motivation was immense.

Diana’s small gesture made a big enough impact to write about her here. Her small gesture inspired my thoughts for today. Did she intend to inspire me or prompt me to write or do anything more than keep me dry? No. She simply saw a friend in need and lovingly responded with what she had to offer. Her motivation was to be kind. Her act blossomed into so much more, but her motivation was her God-serving kindness and care for others.

The reasons we are moved to do something can either be self-serving or God-serving. Why do we do the things we do? Is it time to take an inventory of our actions, to revisit the things we do and discern whether our motives are pure? Do our acts of goodness have the integrity of purpose? Are we serving and acting genuinely out of love for God and one another?

Here are a few of my inventory questions…

Do I always write out of my sole desire to humbly share God’s love in new ways, or do I inwardly hope to be a successful or “famous” book author one day? Do I spend time in contemplation in order to deepen my loving relationship with God, or do I really hope to glean some insights for my writing?

Is my anger a righteous anger that leads me to work for healing and justice? Or is my anger a resenting and festering anger, a reaction to a hurt or an injustice that wants to strike back?

Am I kind to someone with no other expectation, or do I hope to receive a kindness or recognition in return? Do I always serve others with joy or do I harbor some resentment?

(That’s probably enough honest disclosure for today! 😉 )

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)

God is able to use everything- even our faulty or misguided efforts- but our own love and joy increase when we are able to serve out of God-centered motivation… when we learn not to react but to clarify our motives with God and then act. When our motives are pure, we will discover the greater perseverance, strength, purpose and peace that comes from God, even when our callings are challenging and difficult. When our motivation is God-serving, our actions will reflect our genuine countenance of joy, humility and graciousness.

Will we ever know all the ways we have made a good difference in the world? When our motivation is pure love, we find we have no need to know.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.”

Today’s prayer:

Loving Father,
I want my heart to be completely free to love You, Who are Love itself.
Give me a heart free of self absorption, that I might know and love Christ in every person I meet.
Give me a heart brimming with joy and peace, that remains firmly rooted in You, no matter my circumstances.
Give me a heart free of doubt: doubt in You, Your faithfulness and perfect plan for my life; doubt in myself and the gifts You have given me; doubt in others’ intentions towards me.
Give me a heart that is malleable, that can be molded and lovingly shaped, like clay in the Potter’s hands, to be evermore in the likeness of Christ’s Sacred Heart, Mary’s Immaculate Heart, and St. Joseph’s pure heart.
Give me a heart that breaks with Yours at the sufferings of others and the hurt that seems to permeate the world.
Give me a heart that can stretch and expand to welcome and nurture the lonely, the hurting, the weak.
Hide me in Your Most Sacred Heart, Jesus.
Enkindle my heart with Your gifts and fruits, my advocate, oh Holy Spirit.
Thank You for teaching me how to love.
Amen.¹

¹https://youaremadenew.com/2018/05/30/a-prayer-for-a-pure-heart/ by Megan Gettinger

Author of quote unknown, found on Pinterest.com

Photo by Faye Cornish on Unsplash

Bible verses taken from BibleGateway.com

Today’s encouraging word is assuredness.

Merriam-Webster includes these definitions of assured: “characterized by certainty or security; sure that something is certain or true…”¹ When our days, our plans, our futures are uncertain, we can hold fast to the certainties of God and live in that assuredness.

Years ago I saw the “Braveheart” movie, based on the story of William Wallace, who spearheaded Scotland’s charge for freedom from England (1297-1305). At the end of the movie there is a moment I have never forgotten. As Wallace (portrayed by Mel Gibson) is being tortured to death, he looks out at the watching crowd and sees the image of his beloved Murron (Catherine McCormack), who had been killed earlier in the movie. At first he only catches glimpses of her face passing through the crowd, her eyes tenderly gazing at him. But just before his life ends, her peaceful, beautiful face is smiling at him with love. She is anticipating their joyous eternal reunion and in doing so, her countenance assures him. And he smiles…

Murron’s serene and smiling image has remained with me. She may have been an angelic vision, but this is how I want to live, how I want to be. I want to so completely trust in the incredible goodness of God that my spirit will shine with serenity, peace and pure joy, even when troubles and trials are all around. I want my presence to be so peaceful and trusting that it will help others to feel the same. I want to be able to walk gently and serenely through turmoil and strife and, with one tender look at another, assure that all will be well.

Could that be one of the best visible witnesses of our faith- to live with the peace and joy found in trusting God’s assuring promises and presence- no matter what our circumstances are? To be confident, peaceful, and courageous- not out of our own strength or character- but from this assuredness that flows from loving God and being loved by God?

~We would freely and generously love others with the assuredness that comes from knowing we are loved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

~We would walk difficult paths or try brave new adventures with the assuredness that we are never alone.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

~We would work for justice and freedom with the assuredness that yes, we will have trouble, but in Christ we will also have peace.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NIV)

~We would face our fears and trials with the assuredness that we are eternal.

Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. John 6:47 (NIV)

Oh my, these are difficult, difficult days. Our loved ones, our communities, our country, and our world need people- need us– to walk with them, to serve with love, to face those who threaten, to stand up for those who are oppressed, to provide for those in need, to comfort those who are ill, to bring hope to those who are perishing. To show by our example that God’s love and God’s promises are real and true.

May we walk in faith as assured, non-anxious servants of God- willing to help and challenge and heal and serve and love- in any capacity God calls us to do. When troubles and grief abound, may we look upon another with peaceful, tender love, with the assuredness of God’s goodness, and with the words of Jesus in our hearts: “I have overcome the world.”

Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…

A Prayer from Teresa of Avila:

May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance.
It is there for each and every one of you.

Amen.

Teresa of Avila prayer was found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/68943-may-today-there-be-peace-within-may-you-trust-that

Photo by Aserusainhuu on Unsplash

Our encouraging word for today is discipline, especially as in spiritual discipline.

Merriam-Webster defines discipline as “orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; self control; a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity.”¹ And in her Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun writes, “Spiritual Disciplines… simply put us in a place where we can begin to notice God and respond to (God’s) word in us.”²

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

During an especially trying time in my life, I approached my friend Joan, a spiritual director, to whine about my troubles. I expected her to sadly understand and commiserate with me about my stressful situation. Instead, she asked if I was keeping my spiritual disciplines. Her surprising question gave me insight and comfort at that upsetting time…

Actually, her response annoyed me. How could she possibly think that I would be able to maintain my daily practices of prayer, journal writing, and spiritual reading during this overwhelming time? This was terrible advice- I felt much too distracted to be still and focus on such things! But a few years later I realized how right she had been. During my cancer treatments, my now-established spiritual practices and even daily routines brought a comforting order and peace to a very uncertain and unexpected season.

Spiritual disciplines are faithful and consistent practices in which we open ourselves to sense the presence of God. Practices such as prayer, meditation, silence, journaling, worship, fasting, or study give us opportunities to listen more readily to the inner Spirit. When we are able to find the ones that best “fit” our spirituality and personality, these disciplines become joyfully anticipated and followed. I am always eager to begin my morning practice of quiet reflection and journaling while sipping a hot cup of coffee!

How might our spiritual discipline especially encourage us today?

~When we discipline ourselves to faithfully keep our spiritual practices, we actively seek God as our first priority for each day. Even on our busiest or most stressful days, keeping consistent time with God helps us to remember what is truly important. Whatever we encounter, however our day unfolds, we have intentionally welcomed God’s presence to journey with us.

One small ritual that can help us with busy and worrisome days, is to prayerfully fill a small pitcher (or bowl) with water each morning. As the water fills, we name the activities, concerns, and issues that we anticipate for the day ahead. We present them to God, asking for care and guidance, then set the pitcher in a prominent place. Each time we feel anxious or worried, we look at the pitcher and remember we have already given our day to God.

At the end of our day we carry our pitcher outside, gratefully lift it to the heavens, and offer thanks to God. Then, in a sacramental pouring of peaceful surrender, we return the water into the ground and turn inside for restful sleep. Today is now finished and tomorrow will begin anew.

~God’s love is always present and active. Spiritual practices enable us to quiet ourselves and to still our souls, and in so doing, we become more aware and attentive to God’s movement in our lives. Our disciplines can center us and keep us focused on what is right and good.

I often light a candle when I want to be aware of the presence of Christ, or when I am praying for someone or some concern in particular. The light and the scent serve as active reminders to pray and to be aware of the nearness of God. Small moments of silence, a few minutes of journaling, or quiet walks through nature are other ways to to “be still and know that God is God.”

~As in my time with cancer, when our lives are filled with a sense of turbulence, uncertainty, or anxiety, our practices help us to maintain a sense of normalcy by giving us a routine for our days. There is a regularity that comforts, guides and grounds us during chaotic or uncertain times. Scheduled disciplines provide a rhythm, a sense of stability, by giving order to our days.

Even with busy schedules, we can find small moments to connect with God. We can begin with a prayer before getting out of bed. Jim and I read devotional meditations and pray the Lord’s Prayer each morning. Mealtime prayers keep us mindful of our daily bread and other often-overlooked blessings. Some use an examen at night, revisiting their day with God; thanking God for the blessings, surrendering their mistakes, and asking for restful sleep. Weekly book studies, evening prayers, and worship services are disciplines we can enjoy with others. There are even seasonal prayers and practices that remind us of God’s infinite, constant love and creativity for all of the times of our lives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spiritual disciplines bring us much-needed rhythms, routines, and reminders of God’s presence for all of our days. They bring us comforting stability when the world seems topsy-turvy. Disciplines create space for growth, for rest, for strength and for surrender. Practices can become times of celebration, mindfulness, and gratitude, especially in those times when we need them most.

My prayer is from Thomas Merton:

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.³

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The heart of most spiritual practices is simply this: Remember who you are. Remember what you love. Remember what is sacred. Remember what is true. Remember that you will die and that this day is a gift. Remember how you wish to live.” ~Wayne Muller ⁴

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A side note about my friend, Joan. She is also the friend who cheered when I shared my disappointment about not getting a ministry position I had wanted. She was right about that, too. Thank you, Joan. 🙂

¹https://www.merriam-webster.com/

²Calhoun, Adele Ahlberg. (2005) Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. Downers Grove, IL; InterVarsity Press.

³https://reflections.yale.edu/article/seize-day-vocation-calling-work/merton-prayer

⁴Quote found at https://www.azquotes.com/

Bible passage found at https://www.biblegateway.com/

Photo by Karen 🙂

Today’s encouraging word is contribution.

Merriam-Webster includes these definitions of the word contribute: “to give or supply in common with others; to play a significant part in bringing about an end or result…”¹

In these last months, I have enjoyed spending time with our grandchildren while our daughter, a psychologist, uses video calling to visit with her patients from a back room. I am delighted to help her keep working while I savor these precious “Grammy” moments. But recently I realized that I am also enabling her to continue helping her clients during these very anxious times. This gave me a greater sense of purpose, a sense of contributing not only to my daughter’s vocation, but to the well-being of those she counsels.

I have often questioned whether I am fulfilling all of the purposes which God has created and inspired me to do. I wonder, “Have I made the best use of this life I have been so graciously given? Have I used my gifts fully enough in service to God and others?” And then when I consider the many needs of the world, I can really feel inadequate and helpless at times! What is to be my personal contribution for the betterment of the world?

The word contribution blesses me with a new and comforting perspective. The phrases in this definition, “in common with others” and “a significant part” mean that my life serves as a smaller but integral part of the common good or greater purpose. To “contribute” indicates that I will give, share, foster or help, but I am not solely responsible for a certain outcome or result. My part is essential, but it is not everything.

***************

When we offer our gifts and service as a grateful contribution toward sharing the love of God and helping one another, we become part of a vast community, including people we may never meet. Our smaller roles work together with God and others for a greater good. God uses everything, connecting us together for something much bigger.

Our contributions may even be the simple tasks, the humble acts of service. This can mean that sometimes we are the ones who are called to do nothing. Sometimes we are to allow someone else to have the leadership, or to listen or equip another to run with their goals, or to enable others to be who God created them to be. None of these roles are of less importance in this web of community for the needs of the world.

Exodus 17:12 (NIV)
When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.

**************

Our lives are a contribution to the ongoing good purposes of God. God gives to us so that we can contribute to the good of others. We are to do what we can, leave what we cannot, and enable others to do their part. We live and serve as one global web of connection- in generosity, in unity, in humility, and most of all, in love.

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

***************

In her podcast, The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman offers this prayer in her segment, “Offer Your Work With Hope”¹

You are a finisher and You always carry out your work until it is complete, especially the work you begin in us, the invisible kind.
Rather than trying to do big things for the world, may we be willing to do our own thing well and present it as an offering.
Like the young boy on the breezy hillside next to the sea, may we remember our job is to simply offer our small lunch to you. Your job is to feed 5000 people.
Show us what it means to keep company with You in the work we do everyday.

Amen.

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

**************

_¹https://emilypfreeman.com/
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
Bible verses taken from https://www.biblegateway.com

Today’s encouraging word is recollection.

Recollection is defined as “the action or power of recalling to mind; something recalled to the mind,” but also includes the blessings of “tranquility of mind” and “religious contemplation.”¹ Our recollections can become precious gifts for us now, and for all of our days to come.

With each passing year, I become increasingly grateful that I have kept a journal most of my life. At times I will read a few entries from the past and come to recognize more clearly how God was working, or I discover a wonderful memory I had forgotten, or I reread the details of special moments with greater appreciation. Our recollections can enable us to “re-collect” and transform our original and perhaps unnoticed moments into blessings of richer depth, clarity and significance.

The way we “record” memories of our daily moments can enable us to more fully appreciate God’s loving presence in all of life. How we learn to revisit our past can help us to redefine and reshape our life stories into ones of strength, courage, hope, and joy. Our stories can then become sources of inspiration, encouragement, and vision for tomorrow.

In the last meal shared with his disciples, Jesus extended an invitation for all of us to remember him each time we break bread with one another. His invitation extends far beyond remembering the sadness of his death. When we remember Jesus, we recollect his lessons and his life’s example. We remember his complete love for God and for all of us. We recall his glorious resurrection, the new and eternal life beyond the loss of death. We remember his promise to be with us and that his presence continues within and among us. Most of all, we then remember him by continuing his life of love through our own lives. We become visible “recollections” of the goodness of Christ that has prevailed beyond the cross.

How will we remember the year 2020 in the years to come? Will our recollections only be of the challenges, heartaches, anxieties and losses? Or will we remember the gifts and goodness we have received along the way?

We can begin changing our perspective now. At the end of each day, we can take a moment to remember with gratitude the gifts and blessings we received and perhaps even note them in a journal. God always brings gifts. We might forget them or disregard them because we are so focused on our trials and ourselves. Turning our focus on God will help us find the goodness we can so easily miss, such as the tenderness felt, the comfort received, the love shared, the friendships strengthened, the beauty created, the lessons learned, the preparations made, the trials overcome, the hope restored, and even the joy revealed.

This year and all of our years will certainly include some sad and difficult days. But when we consider our recollections with deeper awareness and gratitude, these days will also become precious stories of abundance, provision, healing, strength and goodness, all given through God’s loving and active presence in our lives. Our life stories will become vivid recollections of the many ways we have been so truly and completely loved.

My prayer for us today…

God, may we become more aware of your loving presence with us in all of the circumstances of life. May we be better able to notice, appreciate and remember the gifts you bring amid the joys and trials that come our way. Give us open eyes and grateful hearts so that our recollections become abundantly filled with examples of your goodness in our lives. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

¹https://www.merriam-webster.com/

Photo by Karen 🙂 My writing desk.

Instead of a quote, I have a touching video to share with you about the moments of our lives. “Dude Dad” may be found on YouTube.