Keep moving. . . .

You just have to keep on doing what you do. It’s the lesson I get from my husband; he just says keep going. Start by starting. –Meryl Streep


Holy Week has come and gone. We have reflected for forty days on the journey Jesus made, from amazing worker of miracles and flipper of tables, to a man wholly despised and rejected by those with the power to decide.

The liturgical season of Easter has begun, seven weeks to further contemplate Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Throughout Lent, we paused with Jesus, remembering again (or for the first time) how quickly Jesus went from beloved to despised. We could have stopped or gotten stuck at any point. Jesus could have stopped at any point. In the garden at Gethsemane, he is nearly overcome—but he keeps moving.

Focused on his goal, Jesus keeps his eye set on the horizon and keeps moving forward.

What can we learn from the journey we’ve wandered every year for as long as we have been part of a church? I believe the best lesson has two parts:

First, we each have our own journey to make. No one can make it for us; nor should we try to follow someone else’s path.

Second, we, too, can trust as Jesus did, knowing that even in the darkness and pain, even when we cry out wondering where God might be hiding, God is journeying with us. The best way to get through the worst days—is to get through them. Keep going in the direction your heart is leading. And know God is there, right with you.

Monday Take time to look for new life: a blade of grass; a leaf on a tree; water rolling over river stones; the wisp of a cloud in the sky. As you study, consider the Creator who is also your Redeemer. Psalm 84:1-4

Tuesday Today, look for new life on the streets of your community. God is present in all places. As you look through God’s eyes, give thanks for God’s holy presence. Romans 13:8-10

Wednesday Spend some time in silence. Listen for a whisper, a quiet revelation of the Almighty. Give thanks and rest in that place. Romans 15:5-6

Thursday We are designed in the image of the Creator. Take a moment and meditate on the image of Christ in you. John 19:17-22

Friday Is there any place inaccessible to the Lord? (This is not a trick question!) Take time today to make yourself available to the Almighty. Allow God to work in the dark spaces. John 19:28-30

Saturday Look in the mirror. Study the palm of your hand. Listen to the sound of your breath. Feel the beat of your heart as it sends life through your body. You are a miracle! Never doubt that you are precious in God’s sight. John 19:38-42

Sunday This Sunday, celebrate the new life God has given to each of us and to this Body of Christ. Look around at the beautiful family of faith drawn together in this holy place, and give thanks. Peace be upon your spirit. John 20:1-18

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. –Walt Disney


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