**It happens. . . .

Will you remember the famous men
Who had to fall to rise again
They picked themselves up
Dust themselves off
And start'd all over again.
--Dorothy Fields


Have you ever had one of those days when you lift your eyes to the sky, raise your arms and ask What did I do to deserve this? Honestly, sometimes it just seems as if the universe, or karma, or something, is ganging up on us, doesn’t it?

About two weeks ago, we had a fire at Church in the Circle. It didn’t seem to be much of a fire. Not really.

But what we didn’t count on was the way the smoke would funnel out of the classroom and make its way into the sanctuary, dragging its dirty tail behind it and rendering the space unusable for the weeks ahead.

Or the way the weight of the water in the carpet would wait almost a week before letting go, bringing down ceiling tiles in the education wing below and possibly sending our children out on a wilderness journey while repairs happen.

And meanwhile . . . it’s Advent. That time when we allow ourselves to focus on the coming of the Christ into the world. A space meant for quiet waiting, anticipating the joy to come.

Here’s the Good News, in case it’s slipped your mind: God doesn’t need our fancy sanctuary to show up. Worship can (and does) happen anywhere, any time. So no matter what is happening in your life, hang on. Stuff happens. And so does God’s grace. Everywhere, all the time.


Monday Focus your heart this week on worship. How do you define worship? Could you explain this to someone else? (Go ahead—try it.) Isaiah 11:1-4

Tuesday Try a different way of spending time with God today. Put on a jacket and let a walk be your prayer. In other words: pray, and move your feet. Psalm 72:18-19

Wednesday Worship also happens when we serve one another. Today, buy a stranger a cup of coffee, or offer conversation to someone in line. Romans 15:4-7

Thursday Bring a little beauty into your world. Silk flowers or a fall bouquet can add color and life to a dreary space. Isaiah 11:6-11

Friday Today, mix up your prayer life. Try lectio divina, or explore meditative coloring. God will meet you wherever and however you seek. Romans 15:9-13

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, look deeper into the dark corners of your life. Do you allow God in there? (God is already there. Welcome God.) Feel the loving Touch. Psalm 122

Sunday Worship in an unfamiliar space can be challenging. What do you absolutely have to have to praise God? (Breath comes to mind.) Sing! Be joyful! That is true worship. 1 Chronicles 16:23-25


Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity. –Og Mandino

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