What just happened here???

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. 
–Ferris Bueller


Last week, my church family experienced the sudden loss of two deeply loved members. While they were sleeping, a house fire engulfed their home and ended their earthly lives. They literally never saw it coming.

Every night, most people go to bed and have the beginnings, at least, of a mental “to-do” list for the next day. (Even as I write this, my wandering mind is planning the weekend. When do I need to get up? What do I need to take with me? Is that on my calendar?) It’s just the way we are.

But just as important, to me, is the need to pause and notice the day that’s just ended. How did I do? Did I love as best as I was able? Did I stop and rest in prayer? Have I actually taken time to see the beauty that’s all around me? Or did I push forward, eyes down and heart closed, busy, busy, busy? Have I decided it’s all about me, my plans and my desires?

The minute I decide that, my life is diminished. My relationship with the Creator and Creation is diminished. We are never guaranteed tomorrow—but the todays we’ve already received are gift, a limited-time offer we can never, ever get back. Even when the day is dreary or doesn’t quite go as I’d like, if I pause and look around, there is always, always much to be thankful for.

Stop what you’re doing. Look around you. See the bounty God has placed before you and give thanks.

Life is good. Never stop believing that.

Monday Pause today and place yourself in Mary Magdalene’s shoes as you read this passage from John. Listen for Jesus to speak your name. (Did you hear him?) John 20:1-18

Tuesday Recall a time when you were genuinely, deeply joy-filled. Tell a friend. Share the joy! 2 Samuel 6:1-5

Wednesday Pray for Christ’s joyful spirit to fill your church family. How can you be a transmitter of joy? Thank God for his blessing on our lives together. Acts 2:42-47

Thursday Be honest: Is there a spot in your life where you feel as if there is simply no room for joy? Ask God to touch your space of deep hurt with healing. Mark 9:14-27

Friday Into whose life might you “bring some happy” today? Will it be flowers? A cup of coffee? Simply a warm smile or a hug? Deuteronomy 6:4-5

 Saturday As you focus today on yourself, reflect on the promises of the Almighty and how they are made manifest in your life. Praise God—and rest in God’s love. John 3:16-17

Sunday What special offering this morning brings joy to your heart? If the message or the music touched you, write a note or email of gratitude. (And consider inviting a friend next Sunday to join you!) Ecclesiastes 3:11-12

Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast—you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. –Eddie Cantor


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

Starting again

“This, then, is how you should pray:" --Matthew 6:9a I have been really sensing lately that there is another blog inside me, one focused on prayer.  Oh, I know-- those elephants are all about prayer. Heck, they  are  prayer. And I will continue there, as well. But what I've been feeling is that people-- maybe you--  have always been told, "You should pray," or "Pray about that." But maybe you feel your prayers aren't "good enough," or that it's just too hard, too embarrassing, too [fill in the blank] to pray. Maybe it feels like no one really talks about how  to pray-- except, of course, for Jesus, in Matthew 6 and a couple parallel passages where we are given what's come to be known as The Lord's Prayer. And it is a great prayer. And there are other great prayers, and other ways to pray that do not involve rote. So "my plan" here is to share, hopefully on a weekly or semi-regular basis, a lot of
Read more