Simply Soul Searching

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

REDECORATE

Psalm 16:8-11 (NRSV)

I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

So far during this week of renovation, we have been thinking about major overhauls. Today, let’s focus on a simpler and easier way to renovate ourselves. Sometimes all we need is a little redecorating!

Our home interior has been entirely painted in one color and there are hardwood floors throughout. The interior itself is rather nondescript. But I have the advantage of easily changing color schemes and seasonal themes more often, just by changing or adding accessories and decorations. The changes refresh the house and boost our spirits. This doesn’t take much work or effort, but a quick change up at the end of each season gives us variety, color, and a new outlook.  Changing up even simple things- pillows, flowers, pictures, candles- can rejuvenate our spirits.

This uplifting passage from Psalm 16 inspires us to redecorate in one important way. “I keep the Lord always before me.” And we learn that in doing this, we also can experience what the psalmist finds: gladness, gratitude, security, and most of all, fullness of joy. If we redecorate our lives by keeping God first, our paths will bloom with life and the pleasures of God.

Keeping God before us means that we keep God in the forefront, allow God to lead us, and make God our primary focus and center. Doing so isn’t always easy! But for today, what one simple redecoration could we do to remind and encourage us? What is one thing we can do to keep God before us?

~Keep the Lord always before me. What can you do to redecorate your home or office to remind you of God’s presence? Is there a picture, symbol or poem to display? Jim and I have a small table that we have made into a home altar. This Lent, we have a purple candle, three crosses, a large nail, a photo of Jesus in the wilderness, and a print of bread and wine displayed to remind us of the journey Jesus endured for us.

~Keep the Lord always before me. How might you redecorate your inner self to remind you of God’s presence? Would a practice such as fasting or meditating bless you? Is there a small object you can carry in your pocket, or a piece of jewelry that could wear to gently remind you of the presence of Christ within you? Is there a simple but meaningful Bible verse to memorize and hold in mind?

One and Only God,

You ARE the One we want to keep always before us! We are sorry for the ways we become distracted, inattentive, self-centered and ignorant of your presence. Today, we hope to redecorate our lives with YOU. Help us to place you first in every moment. Help us to do those practices that help us to remain focused on you. May we also serve as a reminder of You for someone else. Amen.

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

REDUCE

Luke 12:15 (NRSV)

And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

Jesus continues his theme in the verses following this one, telling us not to worry about our earthly possessions but to strive for his kingdom first. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (verse 34).”

There has been a lovely trend on the home renovation shows. People are choosing to minimize, to simplify their lives. Tiny homes are becoming popular. Books and blogs are being written about the joys of minimalism. More and more people are seeing the benefits of having fewer possessions and smaller homes. In spending less time and money on houses and possessions, they are finding more time to do the things that matter to them- time for activities, relationships, rest, and travel.

This is the time of year when many of us are ready for some spring cleaning. As we continue our personal renovation, how might we clean and cull our closets, drawers and shelves? Perhaps it is time to evaluate our possessions with an attitude of simplicity and minimalism. What benefits come when we reduce some of our possessions?

Mel Johnson, in her article on tinybuddha.com writes that decluttering leads to mindful purchasing, money saved from unnecessary and frivolous purchases, time saved by being able to find things more easily, space saved by owning less, quicker and easier cleaning and tidying, more freedom, and a happier outlook. “Surrounding yourself with items you love and displaying only the items most valuable to you will make you feel happier. Gone are the days of saving your favorite things for a special occasion. Every day is a special occasion now that I am only using the things I love and my life is happier as a result.”*

What things should we choose to keep? The things that bring us joy. The things that are significant. The things that are useful. The things that hold deeper meaning. That same article includes a quote from William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

What if we were to take that one step further and spring clean our souls? We all have the clutter and weight of heavy schedules, emotional baggage, and burdens of stress. Can we examine the things we have carried with us for so long, asking the same questions?

Is this worry useful?

Is this belief significant enough to keep?

Do I carry this emotion because of some deeper meaning?

Could another idea replace this old one?

Are these feelings worthwhile and uplifting?

Could someone else benefit from doing this task better than I?

Do these memories bring me joy?

May we courageously and rigorously begin to declutter our inner selves. Freeing our souls opens more space for the Spirit to move! May we keep the spirit of William Morris’ thought, and work to “Have nothing in our souls that we do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Selfless, generous Jesus,

We can get so caught up in worldly goods, buying and searching for more. Your words to us are wise and needful. We forget that true joy comes only in you, and in living the way you would have us live. We also get caught up in carrying extra burdens and baggage in our souls. As we begin our personal spring cleaning, help us to reduce. Guide us to rid ourselves of excess, both around us and within us. May we open space in our lives and  in our souls in order to BE. To BE with you. To BE with those we love. To BE present to the moment. To BE part of your intended life for all of us. Amen.

*From https://tinybuddha.com/blog/7-ways-decluttered-life-can-result-decluttered-mind/

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

REINFORCE

Isaiah 41:10 (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.

We have seen this happen on several different home renovation shows. As older homes are being renovated, serious troubles are discovered in the foundation, the walls, or the floors. Basement walls are giving way, or underlayment is rotting, or studs are not up to code. These areas need to be reinforced to keep the structure strong and secure. As beautiful as a home may look on the outside, it needs to have a reinforced, strong, basic structure to support the entire house.

Our word for today, reinforce, means to strengthen, support, or fortify. When I think of the word reinforce, I think of bracing something in order to withstand something else. Structures are reinforced to withstand the elements of nature and people- water, wind, mud, and weight. Reinforcements are needed in hostile military situations to withstand attacks. The expression, “Brace yourself!” describes how we steel or fortify ourselves to prepare for something difficult or unpleasant. I envision clenched teeth… tight fists… head ducked.

Our lifelong personal renovation must also include strengthening and reinforcing our areas of weakness. Isaiah writes of God as One who strengthens, helps, and upholds us; God reinforces us!

When we fully trust in God’s help and strength, our perspective changes. There is no bracing against but simply preparing for. We walk forward in peace and serenity, so securely braced on the inside that there is no cowering or hiding or fear. We are simply prepared for anything that comes our way. We walk without fear, not because we have a secure fortress, but because we have God with us. We are reinforced, not as a shield for our security and safety, but as a basis for our freedom and joy.

What area of weakness would you like God to reinforce today? Where do you most need God’s strength?

“Do not fear, I am with you…” Are there any fears would you like God to take?

How might God’s strength and help bring you freedom and joy this week?

God, our loving renovator,

Thank you for upholding and strengthening us as you continue to renovate our lives. Reinforce us with your power and presence, that we may walk serenely and securely, unafraid of whatever we may encounter. Help us to walk in good courage, and always with generous love. Amen.

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

RENOVATE

Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)

I am about to do a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

“Are you ready to see your Fixer Upper?” Jim and I love to watch Chip and Joanna at work on the HGTV series, “Fixer Upper.” Each week, they renovate an old house to make it perfect for the home buyers. It is amazing to see how such a worn down, unattractive, and impractical home can become beautiful and functional. At the end of the show, the owners are delighted and surprised when the renovated home is revealed. Their old home has been reimagined and made new.

What makes a home perfect for us changes over time. A cute and cozy bungalow may become too small. A large, spacious home may become too large. A house may start out as new and trendy but eventually becomes dated and worn. Appliances may be shiny and efficient, but eventually newer, better models are made. Life changes- births, deaths, aging bodies- lead to the need for different layouts, such as extra bedrooms, no stairs, bigger garages. What once may have been a perfect home for us usually will need renovations and improvements along the way.

We could think of our lives as one long process of renovation. As we continue along the path of becoming our true selves- the selves God intends us to be- we discover that some of the things that once worked for us no longer do. As a house needs renovating to serve its purpose well, at times our ways of living and being need to be changed, too. What in our lives could use some renovation? What changes may help us become our God-intended, true selves?

Changes in size: Have any of our dreams and goals become too small? Or maybe even too big? Have we become too content with the way things are? Could we change the size and scope of our prayers?

Updates: In what ways have our thoughts and beliefs become outdated? What do we spend time doing that really is now obsolete and ineffective? What do we notice in our daily living that could use some colorful sprucing up?

Efficient and eco-friendly updates: What wastes too much of our time and energy? Where could we serve more efficiently? How do we become better stewards of our environment and ourselves?

Changes in layout: Is change needed in the layout of our days- the rhythm of our routines, the way we begin and end each day, our schedules? Have we carried an outdated template for too long?

We are works-in-progress; we can always use some renovating along the way. And, like the homeowners with the run-down, dilapidated home, we are better off entrusting the project to an expert who knows exactly what to do. God helps us figure out what works and what doesn’t, what belongs and what doesn’t. We are being made more perfect and well-suited for God’s purposes each day. We just have to trust the expert. We have to have the courage to explore new options. We have to be willing to let go of long-held traditions or treasures or templates that are in the way of our improvement. Our minds and hearts need to have an “open concept” as God gets to work!

On “Fixer Upper,” Chip and Joanna are the experts. The homeowners trust that the final reveal will be fantastic, and so they have no need to interfere. Allowing God to take over our renovation- leaving the design, the plan and the construction completely to God- places us in the best hands. We too, may find it difficult to visualize the end result, but God is changing us behind the scenes (or “screens” as they do on ‘Fixer Upper!’). We can trust that we will be delightfully surprised on that day of the final big reveal!

“I am about to do a new thing…” Isaiah wrote these words of hope to the Jewish people when they were in captivity in Babylon. Isaiah promised them that God was working to bring them new life and freedom. God is about to do a new thing in us, too.

It is springing forth, do you not perceive it?

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RELATE

Colossians 3:12-17

…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

As we close this week of reflection on how we may be more faithful and loving in our relationships, these verses in Colossians 3 provide a perfect summary for us. Paul says them so beautifully that there is little to add. We relate to one another more perfectly if we…

~clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience… and above all, love.

~bear with one another.

~forgive one another.

~let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

~be thankful.

~grow in wisdom.

~praise God.

How can we possibly do all these things? By doing “everything in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God (vs. 17).” We could never do this on our own. Our help comes from Jesus, and we need to rely on his Spirit in every moment.

I have begun a practice of beginning each day asking for his help. I make the sign of the cross- first on my forehead, asking for guidance and wisdom; then on my chin, asking for loving and thoughtful words; and finally on my heart, asking for a generous and willing spirit. (I once saw a similar gesture before the gospel reading during a Catholic worship service and found it beautiful.)*

May we keep learning and growing in love, and may we increasingly relate to one another in tender, humble and godly ways, until are one day perfected and united in eternity. We can do this in the name of Jesus. And don’t forget to thank God!

Which of the ways of love listed above most touch your heart and soul today?

Which of these actions ways do you see as your current strength?

In which of the ways do you most need to grow?

Are there any practices or objects that will remind you to turn to Jesus for help and guidance?

Jesus, Loving Guide,
Thank you for Paul’s words to us. Help us to relate to one another in these ways, that by our life, love, words, and actions we may draw others closer to you and to one another. May we reflect your love in every moment. Thank you for all of the relationships you have given us. Help us to cherish each of them as your precious gifts. Amen.

*Sign of the Cross- from Wikipedia: The primary use for this is immediately before the reading of the Gospel during the Mass. Using the right thumb, a small cross is traced over the forehead, lips, and heart of the individual while whispering or silently praying the words “May Christ’s words be on my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_cross)

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

REASSURE

Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV)

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved… (v. 12)

My friend Nancy and I were talking about this beautiful passage as we walked together one morning. Her version of verse 12 was, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved…” I still remember how she spoke the words with such gentleness, a lilt in her voice. I could sense how much these words touched her heart and soul. Since then, each time I think of this passage, I can hear her say these words with incredulous awe, tenderness and reverence. I can feel her humble gratitude and amazement that God considers her holy, that God loves her dearly. My soul has been blessed because I was able to witness how God’s love had such an effect on her. (Thank you, Nancy!)

Jim and I have this entire passage (Colossians 3:12-17) framed to serve as a reminder of who we are and how we are to act- because of who we are. Tomorrow we will look at the rest of the verses. But for today, verse 12 serves as all we need to reassure one another in this life together. The word reassure means to encourage and uplift, but also to comfort and soothe.

Knowing that we are God’s chosen ones encourages and uplifts us when we are feeling inadequate or fearful. Reassured that the Creator of the universe believes in us, enables us, and has chosen us to live and be in this world, we can find hope, strength and courage.

Knowing that we are holy and beloved comforts and soothes us when we are feeling broken or brokenhearted. Reassured that the Creator of the universe forgives us, heals us, considers us holy in spite of ourselves, and dearly loves us- even (and especially) during the worst of times- we can find peace, relief, and even joy.

We are all chosen. We are all holy. We are all beloved. Jesus made that clear. The difference is that we who love and follow Jesus already know we are. THIS is the good news we must share with those who long to know that they are chosen, holy, and beloved, too.  May you be reassured by these words of Paul today. May you journey through this day in the reverent, incredulous awe of knowing just how precious you are to God, the Creator of the universe.

How do these words reassure you today? How does knowing YOU are God’s chosen, that YOU are holy and beloved, inspire you to live this day?

Do you have people in your thoughts who need to be encouraged and uplifted? How might you reassure them that they are chosen by God, just as they are?

Do you have people in your heart who need to be comforted and soothed? How might you reassure them that they are holy and beloved, especially in their brokenness?

God, Creator of the Universe,

With humble, grateful hearts we thank you for choosing us, for considering us holy, and for calling us your beloved ones. We know that we do not always live up to this ideal; instead, you are the one who chooses us to be your holy and beloved ones. This is all gift and grace. Thank you for reassuring us with your comforting, soothing, uplifting and encouraging love. Help us to share your love with others, generously and always. Amen.

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RESPECT

Romans 12:10 (NRSV)

…love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 

#MeToo. Black Lives Matter. PRIDE. All over the United States, people are taking a stand against the harassment, abuse and discrimination of women, people of color, and LGBTQ people. It is unimaginable that these groups are still fighting for even the most basic rights of equality and justice. In addition, hate crimes and attacks against them continue every day. People are being treated as “lesser than” instead of equals.

I have noticed more ridicule and bias against men, too. Television programs that make them look like imbeciles. Talk shows that consist of put downs, insults and crude jokes. Wives gathered over coffee to complain or laugh about their husbands. We have a long way to go in fostering mutual honor and respect from all, for all.

As we journey that long way to go, Paul and Jesus tell us to take the high road. Paul instructs us to “outdo one another in showing honor.” Jesus speaks of respecting one another, too. “Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31).” “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).”

Our word for today, “respect,” has several superb meanings, including esteem, value, revere, appreciate, and accept. Can you imagine a world where everyone was regarded in these beautiful ways?

We are to oppose injustice and to stand up for those who are oppressed. But we do not do this by putting others down, hurling insults, or abusing them in any way. We first must become an example of the ideal for which we are striving. Often our knee-jerk reaction to someone who is insulting and hateful is to return the same (“he did it first- he had it coming- he deserves a taste of his own medicine”). We seem to think Jesus said, “Do to others as they did to you.” But we are called to behave differently, to walk as lights of love in this world.

Kahlil Gibran said, “To belittle is to be little.”

On her blog, Maddie shared, “Never dim anyone else’s light so that you can shine. Just shine.” (http://sequinsinthecityy.blogspot.com/2015/03

We are to speak, we are to write, we are to vote, we are to peacefully protest, we are to help uplift those oppressed. We are also to model dignity, honor and respect for every person while we act. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” How fully Jesus showed this to be true, with his life of complete, sacrificial love! If we were to outdo one another in showing honor, people would no longer be considered “lesser than”- in fact, they would be elevated to “better than” ourselves. We begin by regarding them with esteem, reverence and value.

So let us outdo one another in showing honor.

Are there any new ways you might work for justice, equality and respect for all people?

When a group discussion becomes disrespectful or hurtful of others, how do you react? Would you find it helpful to have a plan or words in mind to use when this occurs?

How might you more visibly shine as an example of one who respects and honors all human beings? Is there anything from which you would need to refrain?

Loving Jesus,
You teach us to live differently in this world. Help us to walk the higher path of light and love as we work for the dignity, well-being and equality of everyone. Form us into models of kindness, honor and respect. Guard our words. Guide our actions. Grace us with your presence. We have so much to do! Help us to begin. Amen.

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RECOGNIZE

Ephesians 4: 1-6

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

As part of our history class, we were shown a short silent film about the Civil War. The story begins with two young twin brothers happily playing together. We then witness their deep sadness as they are separated to live with different relatives after their parents die. The final profound and emotional scene is when they recognize each other years later. They are facing each other on opposite sides of a Civil War battlefield. Once close-knit, loving brothers have now become enemies, only because of such life circumstances as their location and family upbringing.

This profound, sad story continues today- all over the world.

We all are one family of God. As Paul says in Ephesians, we have “one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” Every person is God’s beloved child. Not only are we connected as ‘family’ with one Father, we are also connected by God within us! And God created this world as one home for all of us to live together in unity and peace.

But like the boys in the movie, we too, have separated and then become enemies with one another. We are born as innocent siblings of God’s one human family. Then we begin to see differences (and we are taught differences), and we divide ourselves according to culture, race, gender, religious belief, family upbringing, political party, nationality, and so on. We divide our one world- a world that is meant to be shared- by country, state, neighborhood, school system, individual property lines, and income levels. And so we forget that we are all kindred brothers and sisters, with the same God over us and within us.

Note this: these two young men, except for fate and circumstance, could each have ended up on the other side from where they stood! You and I are standing where we are, believing what we believe, belonging where we belong- mainly because of our life experiences and what we have learned to be our truth along the way. We could easily have been born in another time, another place, under different circumstances, and our truth would be much different.

We each could have become our own enemy.

Today, may we strive to recognize one another as kindred people connected by God on this one world. Today, may we look beyond our differences in order to recognize one another…

as brothers and sisters

as fellow human beings

as children of God

as fellow travelers through life

as sharers of this one world

as Jesus (“as much as you did to the least of these, you did to me…”)

as sacred vessels of God within

… as ourselves.

Can you recall any lessons or “truths” that you once were taught but no longer hold true?

What circumstances in your life do you regard as blessings? Are there any you consider hindrances?

Who has been an example of unity and love for you? Is there a saint who has helped you find the commonalities we all share within our diversity? Have you been that saint for others?

Is there someone in your heart whom you need to recognize with a new, loving vision?

Loving God and Father of ALL,

We know that your desire is that we live in unity and peace, to love and serve you, and to love one another as ourselves. Forgive us for the many ways we choose to see differences instead of connections and similarities! Help us to recognize ourselves in others. Most of all, help us to recognize YOU in all of us. Amen.

WEEK TWO: RELATIONSHIPS

RECTIFY

 MATTHEW 18:15-17 (NRSV)

If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Jesus is teaching us how to rectify someone who has done wrong. At first, his instruction seems confrontational and harsh, but we know that Jesus is teaching us the most loving and faithful way to rectify problems with another person. Jesus’ words are especially important for the life of the church. So often, people of faith hesitate to confront anyone, because doing so seems unkind. Words of correction are also very difficult to say face to face. We may tell ourselves that we will just forgive and forget about the issue, but end up telling others instead- and the gossip and triangulation begin.

We all make mistakes. We all need gentle correction from time to time. It hurts SO much more to receive criticism from a third person rather than the one we have wronged. Not only do we feel embarrassed by our sin, we also feel singled out. We feel as if we haven’t been given a chance to explain. We wonder how many others have heard about us. We may assign the wrong intent for the words said because we aren’t hearing them from the person directly; words said lovingly or gently may be perceived as critical or malicious when we hear them from someone else.

It seems to me that texts, emails and messages have become our “third person” these days. We find we can more easily send off a complaint or try to rectify a problem without speaking to a person directly. I once emailed a mom about her daughter’s misbehavior during a youth group event. I mistakenly believed that I could explain everything better in writing (and to be honest, I didn’t want to face her). The poor mom opened the email while she was at work- not a good time to receive such news. She read my message as critical and accusatory. I’m sure no emoji or sticker could convey my loving intention. She was justifiably sad, upset and angry. We had a better conversation later, but the damage had been done.

Jesus shows us a better way. When we speak individually and directly with a person, we are more likely to convey our message with gentleness, respect and love. Rather than send an angry text in a moment of frustration, we instead consider our words carefully, allow time to regroup, and even evaluate whether the issue is that important. Adding two or three others when necessary also helps us to hold one another accountable- is what we are feeling or witnessing valid and true? As followers of Christ, we are called to take the better way, no matter how difficult. Jesus gives us the best way to rectify- perhaps the uncomfortable way, but the right and loving way.

Recall a time when you received correction or complaints from a third person or a written message. How did you react- and how willing were you to rectify whatever wrong you had done?

How do you handle gossip? Is there a difference between gossiping and simply listening to gossip?

How might we hold one another accountable to Jesus’ way of rectifying? Are there any changes you could make to your way of rectifying problems with others?

Loving God,

You know so well that none of us are perfect! Thank you for loving us anyway. Help us to strengthen our loving relationships by following the ways of Jesus. Guide us as we hold one another accountable.  Help us to rectify any wrongdoings with grace, truth, kindness, trust, and respect for one another- in person. Amen.