Lord, teach me. . . .

When your heart is broken, the whole world is cast in the crushing gloom of despair. –Laura Ramirez How often, in the course of a day, are we asked a simple question: “How are you?” Depending on who is doing the asking, our reply may be a terse, “I’m-fine-how-are-you” accompanied by a forced smile, or we may seize the question as an opportunity to be honest and vulnerable, to actually connect with this fellow traveler on life’s journey. Recent weeks have been difficult ones in the world, from continued violence in Israel/ Gaza, to renewed incursions in Iraq, to the closer-to-home violence in Ferguson, Missouri. (As one friend put it, my desire to remain informed is at odds with my desire to remain sane.) I wonder how often, during our time spent in prayer or devotion, we pause to ask the Almighty how God is feeling. If, as we profess and often pray, we desire to have eyes that see as God sees and a heart broken by that which breaks the heart of God, these recent events...

A smile is the universal welcome. –Max Eastman So tell me, one more time: what brings you here week after week? Or, as God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here ?" With so many things calling out to you on a Sunday morning (including sleep), why do you choose to come here to worship? We each have our reasons, each as individual as we are. For me, there are two things that bring me here more weeks than not: Gratitude—and community. Take a deep breath; focus on the way the air goes into your lungs, literally filling them with the gift of life. Every single thing, every breath, every laugh—every corn flake is the gift of our loving, gracious God. And not only that: you, too, are a gift from God and to one another. We are created, not as lone souls, but as companions for one another—and for the Divine, as well. God takes tremendous pleasure in each one of his beloved children, and delights when we gather to worship together. This week, we will borrow a bi...

If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat. –John Ortberg After Jesus feeds the 5000, Matthew tells us about Peter walking on the water, taking his eyes off Jesus and slipping into the turbulent seas. “Lord, save me!” he cries, and Jesus does. As he stretches out his hand to Peter, Jesus asks, “Why did you doubt?” So often, that seems to be our focus in this passage: Peter takes his eyes off Christ; Peter doubts. Oh, Peter—you of little faith. But you know what? In spite of his fears, in spite of his insecurities, Peter got out of the boat. He saw Jesus walking towards the boat, heard Jesus invite him, again, to come —just as he had invited him to lay down his nets and follow him in the first place. Peter took a chance. He trusted God and took the first step, in spite of his doubts (“Lord, if it is you . . .). And when his faith faltered—like we all falter—he cried out to the One whom he knew could (and would) carry him through of life’s storms and...

There’s something about the nature of suffering that has the greatest capacity to reveal truth. –Art Katz Somewhere along the way, we got it wrong. Our Founding Fathers wrote of certain inalienable rights, but sometimes it seems the only one we are interested in is the pursuit of happiness. We watch “Happy Days” and eat Happy Meals; we are advised to “just grin and bear it,” “don’t worry, be happy,” and “put on a happy face!” But let’s face it: sometimes, things stink. Our home life can be challenging. Our job can be a real bear. Some days, even getting out of bed can feel like a real effort. But we keep all this to ourselves, because after all, the Good News is all we need to be liberated, enthused—and happy. Right? (Nope.) Jesus never promised that following The Way would mean a life on Easy Street. There would still be tough times, hard days. Like it or not, if we are going to grow and mature—as people and as Christians—growth is almost always going to come with ...