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

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