Simply Soul Searching

FOLLOW ME

Mark 8:34 (NRSV)

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

We recently moved to a new home in Hurricane, WV, and I’ve been mapping out my new four-mile walking route. Each time we’ve moved, I realize how much I enjoy having my walking routes already established. When I’m creating a new route I need to keep track of my distance covered, watch out for places to avoid, and sometimes reroute myself. Especially here with the hills, I can’t see too far ahead and so I have often found myself wandering down dead end roads or encountering steep hills. There is also some disappointment when I believe I have covered a certain distance, only to look at my mileage app and learn that I am far from my goal.

Once my route is in place, I can listen to music, become absorbed in my thoughts, appreciate the scenery, and enjoy the exercise. The time and distance pass more quickly and easily!

When Jesus invites us to follow him, we aren’t given maps or pre-set routes. Although there are many times when we can walk familiar paths and enjoy the music, most days will bring something new and unknown. At times we will encounter dead ends or detours. We will need to climb steep and challenging hills. We may walk into a place where we aren’t welcome. We don’t know exactly where or how far Jesus is taking us on this earthly life journey. We only know that we want to follow him; that his route is our best and only route!

The unknown paths are challenging. But I’ve also discovered some blessings as I’ve walked the new, unfamiliar routes. I’ve met some wonderful people. I’ve seen surprising vistas and beauty. I’m breathing fresh air and getting my exercise. I’m excited to see how this scenery will change with each new season. And always, I know that eventually I will return home.

Jesus is beckoning us to follow him, and this is our Lenten practice for today. May we take each step of our journey in good courage, knowing that we will encounter challenges, but that we will also be blessed with wonderful new discoveries, friendships and vistas! No maps are needed. We will always be heading for home, with Jesus as our companion and guide for the journey.

Our symbol for today is a map. (Paper maps are becoming a thing of the past, aren’t they?) May it remind us to follow Jesus, wherever he leads us. It is always the best road home.

Our prayer for today is one of my favorites. It was written by Father Mychal Judge, a FDNY chaplain who died while helping at the Twin Towers on 9/11.

FATHER MYCHAL’S PRAYER

Lord, take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say, and
Keep me out of Your way.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

In my introduction to “Living Lent Lightly,” I mentioned that I become distracted and discouraged in my Lenten disciplines each year. Yesterday was the day that the distraction and discouragement set in. I usually LOVE praying, contemplating, thinking and then writing! But yesterday these seemed burdensome to me. I wondered if I had over-committed myself with my plan to write devotions for the 40 days of Lent. Insecurity crept in, too, as I questioned my ability. No inspiration was forthcoming. I finally decided walk away for a while.

When I returned, I found a treasure. Some very thoughtful and gracious readers had written comments on my previous blog, thanking me for blessing them with my writing. This was just the encouragement I needed to begin anew. The writing flowed easily after that… and this is the reason that “encouragement” is our Lenten practice for today.

Encouragement is offering reassurance, inspiration or help to someone. We encourage others when we lift their spirits, affirm them, or inspire them to persevere. And encouragement is a gift that we don’t always know we are giving! Our words may be intended for another good purpose, but God’s timing turns them into the additional gift of encouragement. Words of gratitude became encouragement for me.  A compliment may encourage another. Noticing something others have done may affirm or clarify their purpose. And often we don’t even know when someone needs encouragement!

Today, pay attention to the “nudges” that invite you to speak gracious words, to thank someone, to notice what someone has done, or to brighten someone’s day. We never know when God will turn our words into so much more- the gift of much-needed encouragement!

Our reminder for today will be a key. May it remind us to open ourselves to God’s timing, and ask God to help our words of encouragement unlock someone’s inner hopes and dreams.

Loving God,

Help me to be a source of encouragement for someone today. Make me attentive to those around me. Give me words to say that uplift, reassure, and help. Guide me into your perfect timing, so that my words may do so much more than my limited intent. Amen.

GRANDMA’S FORK

2 Timothy 2:20-21 

²⁰ In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. ²¹ All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. 

I imagine Paul would be quite surprised by the variety and convenience of our utensils today! There are gadgets that can make almost every aspect of our lives easier and more efficient. But if you’re like me, I usually grab a utensil for these reasons: proximity, simplicity, and cleanliness. I’ll use a knife rather than go to another room to get the scissors; I’ll use a manual can opener because I struggle with electric ones; I’ll eat with a spoon if the forks are dirty. I find that I appreciate a utensil, not for its glamour or ease, but for its ready usefulness to me.

Our Lenten focus for today is usefulness. Paul tells Timothy that all of us- whether we are ‘gold,’ ‘silver,’ ‘wood’ or ‘clay’- can become special utensils, ready for every good work God has in mind for us. Aren’t you excited by this thought? God may have us in mind for special use, or God may want us for ordinary use. Either way, we can be useful to God!

If we desire to be useful and “ready for every good work,” perhaps we should consider our proximity, simplicity and cleanliness. God is present within and around us, but we can feel closer in proximity if we are attentive to God through prayer, study and reflection. If we free ourselves from any unnecessary things that hinder or complicate our lives, our simplicity helps us to be more readily available for God’s use. Paul speaks of cleanliness in his words, “all who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils…” When we ask God to forgive those things that make us sinful and unclean, and let God’s perfecting love wash over us, we will be cleansed and sparkling!

One more thought… what if God wishes to use us differently than for what we think our purpose is? If I can exchange a knife for scissors, imagine what God can do! We only need to be ready for every good work. How might we be useful for God today?

Our focus item for today is my grandma’s fork. It is just a simple fork, but I use it often and treasure it as a keepsake. Perhaps you have a simple utensil you really appreciate. Let that be your reminder for today!

Loving God,

Out of love you have created me uniquely, and I long to be useful to you! Help me to be ready for every good work you have in mind. Even if you surprise me!  Amen.

RUNNING THE RACE

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NRSV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Paul implores us to persevere as faithful people of God, but reassures us that we are not alone. He names a number of earlier witnesses such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses, who by faith, followed God’s will and persevered despite great trials. Surrounded by this “cloud of witnesses,” we are encouraged to do the same!

Today our Lenten discipline is perseverance; the perseverance needed for living as Christ followers and for living a life of faithful love.  It is so difficult to keep our focus on Christ while living amid the distractions of this world, to be steadfast examples of love when facing harshness or criticism, to keep our spiritual disciplines in busy times… to make following Jesus our first priority when so many others clamor for our attention.

I found many tips online to help with perseverance. But I think Paul is on to something when he recognizes the many saints before us who were examples of faithful perseverance. When I ran my first 10K race years ago, I was inspired and uplifted by the people around me. Runners who led the way. Water cup holders standing along the route, keeping us hydrated. A high school band offering pep music to invigorate us all. People cheering us on from the sides of the road, especially as we neared the finish line.

We should keep this in mind as we persevere in our life of faithful obedience and love. We have a great cloud of witnesses who have set examples for us and are now surrounding us in spirit. We have the encouragement of faith communities and friends today who journey with us. Best of all, we can look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” for everything we need for this race. We too, can find the joy set before us, even when detours and trials come. We are in good company, all the way to the finish line.

Our reminder today will be a walking or running shoe (or the shoes you’re wearing). May it remind us to persevere in this daily faith journey, one step at a time, never giving up, knowing we are not alone.

Jesus, Perfecter of my faith,

Thank you for the journey you perfectly completed- living a life of faithful obedience and love- all the way to the cross. As I continue on my faith journey, help me to persevere as your disciple on this race that is set before me. Thank you for the great witnesses who went before me and who inspire and encourage me today. Thank you that I can look to you for guidance and strength for this journey. Thank you that I can follow you, learning and growing, all the way to the finish line. Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

In art, when we use the word “medium,” we refer to the objects that artists use (such as paint, pastels, wood, clay, plastics, instruments, pens, cameras) to convey certain messages. So consider this: when we are in Christ, we are new creations- Christ is the creating artist, and we are the mediums he uses to convey his message of love!

Most of us have enjoyed coloring in pre-printed books or on blank sheets of paper. But do you recall the sheer joy and freedom of coloring outside on the sidewalk? We had a much larger “canvas” and the freedom to expand our creativity beyond designated lines and page limits! We also relished the idea that more people would be able to see our artwork. Creating this way was an enjoyable and expansive experience.

When Jesus wants to work in us, to make us into a new creation, do we limit him? “Create in me, dear Jesus… but only so far. Please stay inside these lines and limits I have in mind for you.” We limit ourselves as the canvas when we lack the confidence to expand, instead of trusting that he is creating with perfect artistry. He well knows the capabilities of his medium. We limit Jesus the artist when we remain self-centered, wanting to control his creativity according to our plans. We limit Christ’s audience when we file his artwork away for safekeeping, instead of sharing it with the world.

Our Lenten practice for today is availability. Jesus wants to work in us, to make us new creations that will convey his message of love. Today, let’s be open and available for him to be as creative as he would like- free of our own pre-designated designs, free to create beyond our borders, free to display his artwork wherever he would like!

The crayon (or pen, or any other art item) will serve as our reminder to be open and available for Jesus to create in us- perhaps in new and surprising ways!

Creating Christ,

You DO want to make me into your beautiful creation, to convey your message of love! Help me to not interfere with your artistic and perfect work in me. Remove my limiting insecurities, remove my pre-designated plans, and remove my fears of being shared with others. Make my heart and soul available- totally- for your good and perfect work in me. Today I hope you enjoy working freely in me! Thank you. Amen.

Enjoy your Sabbath day of rest and worship! (I won’t be posting Lenten disciplines on Sundays.)

TEA PARTY!

Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV)

² Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. 

When I think of hospitality, I think of my dear childhood neighbor, Ila. She was a quiet, grandmotherly type who always had a bowl of delicious hard candies ready for us; sweet treats that made us smile! Her porch was enclosed with windows, and the sunlight warmed us as we read a variety of children’s books. I never felt I was intruding, but could pass the time contentedly. Hospitality is a wonderful demonstration of love for others.

Our Bible passage instructs us to show hospitality to strangers. But let’s consider “strangers” in a new way for today’s Lenten discipline of hospitality. When is the last time you welcomed Jesus into your presence? When is the last time you shared with and listened to him? Has it been so long that Jesus may feel like a stranger to you? Or maybe you have even been so busy or preoccupied that YOU feel like a stranger to you! It’s time to reunite two dear companions: Jesus and you.

Today, let’s invite Jesus into our hearts and thoughts, to spend time together sharing and listening. Let’s simply enjoy our mutual companionship as we go through our day together.

The tea bag will remind us to do those things that we would do for any guests- invite Jesus in, perhaps apologize for not being completely ready or prepared, encourage him to make himself comfortable, ask how we may best serve him, and then enjoy our time together, talking and listening. If you have time- and would enjoy doing so- you could even have a tea party or coffee time with a place set for Jesus!

Dear Jesus,

Today I want to spend time together, just you and I. I know you are always with me, but today I want to be more aware of your presence. Please forgive what I lack, but make yourself comfortable- let me know what you need! I have so much to tell you. What do you want to tell me? I’m listening. Thank you for your loving companionship, today and always. Come on in. Amen.

OH, THOSE THORNS!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NRSV)

⁷ …therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. ⁸ Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, ⁹ but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ¹⁰ Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

I know that our God of infinite love does not need to inflict “thorns” on us; this imperfect world provides more than enough. We have imperfect bodies, imperfect temperaments, imperfect relationships, imperfect weather, imperfect societies, and more- all of which increase our odds of having a thorn or two!

Paul never says specifically what his thorn was, but I think we can relate to this thorn in our lives. Our thorn can be anything that causes our unease or discomfort:

~An illness (or the fear that it will return) in ourselves or a loved one

~A coworker, colleague, or family member who irritates or mistreats us

~A habit that hounds us, but is so difficult to break

~A loss of our career, possessions, or lifestyle

~An ache or pain from aging or illness

~A death of a dear one

~An emotional or mental struggle of anxiety, fear, or depression

~An ending of a marriage or relationship

Life WILL have thorns. But we are blessed to know that God can make good come from everything. If God can even redeem Jesus’ horrendous suffering and death in a glorious resurrection, can’t God redeem any of our thorny trials?

The secret to our discipline of acceptance is to know in our hearts that God’s good doesn’t always follow our plan. But God’s good is even better than anything we could hope for ourselves! Because of our limited perspectives, we may not always see the potential for good in our thorns. (The oyster makes beautiful pearls from irritating grains of sand. But does the oyster see the beauty in them?) When we are able to truly, sincerely entrust our thorny selves to God, God can more readily work through us to make good come from them.

And so our Lenten discipline of acceptance can be practiced, not with an attitude of despair in resignation, but with an attitude of hope in potential!

For our discipline today, let’s carry a safety pin with us, as its point can remind us of a thorn. Take a moment to consider: What is the one “thorn” in your life that you would love to have God remove? How would the removal of this thorn make your life easier? This is your safety pin/ thorn for today. Each time we see or feel the pin, let’s acknowledge our thorns with hopeful acceptance. Let’s entrust our thorns and burdens to God, while asking God to freely work in us through them, to redeem our thorns for good… God’s good.

Redeeming God,

You have shown me your power to redeem all of my thorny burdens!  Thank you for the gift of hope you show me through Biblical stories and promises, through my own experiences, and especially through Jesus’ resurrection. As I consider my personal thorn, I may not be able to pray with gratitude, but I will pray with the hopeful acceptance only you can provide. Help me to entrust my thorn into your redeeming love. Help me to remain open to your work within me. Help me, despite my imperfections, to enable you to redeem my thorn for your perfect good. Amen.

Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages all of us to “let our gentleness be known to everyone.” Have you noticed that even the word, gentleness, brings warm feelings? Gentleness includes being tender, considerate, sensitive, light, and soft; not harsh or severe. When I think of gentleness, I think of people who are soft spoken, peaceful and of good-nature… who are tender and kind to all living things… who listen with patience and acceptance… who smile understandingly… who use sensitive and soothing words. I feel reassured when I am in the company of gentle people; I feel safe in their presence.

Today, let’s practice gentleness. To be tender and considerate with our words and actions. To be sensitive and understanding of the needs of others. To look for ways to walk softly through the day. To be the soothing presence for someone who needs one. To be the balm for a troubled soul.

Paul also assures us that “the Lord is near.” What a gift! Knowing God’s presence within us will help us walk through this day in gentleness. Seeing God’s presence around us- in all living beings- will inspire us to be gentle to others.

Our tangible reminder is a cotton ball. (If you don’t have a cotton ball, you could use any item that is soft and gentle- a tissue, cloth, etc.) May our cotton ball remind us to be soft and gentle in our words and actions, so that we will serve others as a soothing presence and a tender place of refuge.

Tender God, you are my safe refuge, you are my soothing balm when the world is harsh. Thank you for your gentle, accepting love. Today, help me to be your gentleness in the world. Guide my words and actions to be sensitive, soft, comforting and peaceful. When I encounter harsh or difficult circumstances, remind me of who I am in you. Let my gentleness be known to everyone, for you ARE near. Thank you! Amen. 

“BUTTON YOUR LIP!”

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (NRSV)

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (vs.1-4)

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. This is a day when we humbly recognize our sinfulness and remember that “to dust we shall return.” So today our gentle nudge will be to deepen in humility.

Many of us may remember being told by teachers or parents to “button our lips” and be quiet. With a twist of our fingers across our mouths, we were encouraged to stop talking! This is an appropriate practice for today, as our passage from Matthew warns us against practicing our piety before others. Today, whether we fast, begin another discipline, or do a kind deed, let’s try to refrain from telling anyone. Trust that “our Father sees in secret” and that is more than enough! For isn’t this our very reason for being? Let our prayers and awareness be for our humility, to empty ourselves of our pride.

Our tangible reminder is a button. If you don’t have one to carry with you, you are welcome to copy and paste my photo to your computer or cell phone, and then use it as a screen saver or wallpaper. May our buttons remind us to keep silent about our practices- or ourselves!

Awesome God, I am so imperfect and small,and yet you love and forgive me beyond limits. Please keep me quiet about anything that makes me prideful. Keep me mindful of Jesus and his life of obedient humility. Keep me mindful of my brokenness today. Most of all, keep me mindful of your infinite, merciful love. Thank you. Amen.