What are you doing-- here?

It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference. –Tom Brokaw


One of my favorite stories from the Old Testament is about Elijah. He has been run out of town on a rail by a very angry Jezebel. He’s taken refuge in a cave, been cared for by angels, and told to go outside and wait, for the LORD is about to pass by.

Elijah pulls his cloak around himself and waits. He sought the LORD in fire and earthquake, but the LORD was not making a show of power and strength. The LORD came to Elijah in a still, small whisper in his heart, and asked a simple question:

Elijah, what are you doing here?

Good question, for Elijah and for each one of us. What are we doing here, anyway? 

Or as poet Mary Oliver puts it, Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Many folks get so focused on the next life, we forget that there is so much to be done in this life. The promises of eternal life and bliss can lead many to forget: the LORD came into this world because he wanted us to know him better—in this life. And when he left, he charged us to continue his work, to be God’s hands and feet in the world.

When we come to Church in the Circle, we come to worship, to sing, to fellowship—to love. As you leave this place and return to your community, what will you do to bring a little heaven here on earth? What are you doing—here?

Monday Let peace begin with you. During the day, make time for rest or meditation; do less. Give thanks for the silence in your heart. Numbers 6:24-26

Tuesday Pray today, by name, for a friend or family member whose life is in need of peace. (Can’t think of anyone? Choose someone from the UCUMC Caring List.) Pray that God’s holy peace would fill their soul. John 14:27

Wednesday Find an opportunity to do an extra kindness for someone you do not know—just because. (If you can do this anonymously—bonus!) Thank God for the gifts he has given you; ask God to reveal even more opportunities to use them. Colossians 3:15-17

Thursday Pray for our peace officers, those men and women whose vocation is to protect and serve, keeping us safe on a daily basis. Give thanks for their service, and thank them in person when the opportunity arises. Isaiah 58:5-7

Friday Pray for the world. Pray for those enduring chaos or confusion, whose lives seem hopeless or pain-filled. Pray for God’s presence in the lives and hearts of those affected by conflict. Philippians 4:4-7

Saturday Take another chance to pause in silence. Pray for a loved one. Remember a time of God’s faithfulness in your life and give thanks. Isaiah 61:1

Sunday Pray today, by name, for a nation in conflict. Pray for the Holy Spirit of peace to be made manifest in our world. Give thanks for this faith family of love and peace. Isaiah 58:9-14


Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have. –Margaret Mead

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stepping back. . . .

Image
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and with a calm spirit.  Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,  even if your whole world seems upset.  –St. Francis de Sales This week, I invite you to simply sit in a quiet space with words of hope and promise, and to remember, as Julian of Norwich knew, that all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well . It has been a long, difficult season. Advent and the coming of the Christ is just around the corner. Peace and comfort to your spirit. Monday   “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” Matthew 11:28-30 Tuesday  “Is this not the kind of fast I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6-9 Wednesday  “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the
Read more

It's that time again. . . .

When the seasons shift, even the subtle beginning, the scent of a promised changed, I feel something stir inside me. Hopefulness? Gratitude? Openness?  Whatever it is,  it’s welcome. –Kristin Armstrong No matter what part of the world you call home, this time of year brings big changes. While my friends Down Under are watching sings of new growth emerge from the earth as temperatures rise, here in Ohio, the leaves are turning from green to gold and orange, red and brown. The winds have taken on a chill; clouds hang heavy, like soggy cotton, reminding us that soon and very soon, we are going to see the snow . Always different, yet somehow, the same. We depend on God’s eternal ways, and trust that again this year, winter will follow autumn, just like it should. So why is it, as we anticipate and appreciate changes like these, when it comes to so many things in life we pull up short, wrinkle our noses and say No! No change! I like things just the way they are! It’s t
Read more

Honoring the fallen

Memories of our lives, of our works and deeds, will continue in others. –Rosa Parks In the States, this weekend marks Memorial Day, when we pause to remember all who gave their lives fighting for this country. It’s an important time, and an important thing to do. But for churches, it can be difficult. It can be hard on veterans who made it home, but left fellow soldiers behind. It can be difficult to listen to the stories of battles won and lives lost. It can be a challenge to find ways to remember and honor these soldiers without glorifying the violence and wars they participated in, especially as history calls into question the necessity of going into such a war in the first place. As we pause to reflect and remember this weekend, I am suggesting this approach: Pause and remember the soldiers who gave their lives out of love; look around in your life for ways you can reflect a love for God that goes beyond any other love. Then give thanks for the soldiers w
Read more