‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 NRSV
I am stubborn. I may have already confessed that here before, but if I didn't, you may have picked up on that a bit. My bishop was always kind about it and said that next to the definition of 'tenacious' in the dictionary you could find my picture :-) . Yes, you know you're stubborn when your bishop calls you stubborn ;-)
(friends and family-- posting about my stubbornness not necessary-- I KNOW you all have stories~)
In the right places, stubbornness and tenacity have their place. As the Chinese proverb says "fall down seven times get up eight". This chronic health wilderness requires a good bit of stubbornness out of us so that we keep going. However, it can easily work against us. In my own experience, my stubbornness plays itself out in making me believe I have to do things all by myself. It convinces me that if it is going to happen, I have to do it, and no one else will help me. It convinces me to journey into isolation. I know that much of this journey can be lonely and it does require great tenacity on our part to keep going. We do need to cultivate our own inner voice that keeps encouraging us- that chronic hope of our own that allows us to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
But that voice that tells us that we "cannot depend upon anyone else", that "no one else could possibly know what we're facing", and "the only way to keep going is alone" that voice is deceived. It is speaking out of fear and distortion.
In the past when I've read this Gospel reading from Matthew, I've always seen it in the back of my mind as kind of a divine Santa Clause image: "What do you want? I'll give it to you" Now, I know better than to see it this way, but there's always the hope...
This passage has been powerful in my work in congregations, as many of us do not think in terms of really asking God what we're suppposed to do in our future as a church. We work on our own to come up with strategies and ideas, but asking God to be in the picture--- I mean truly, wholly in the picture, where we'll listen to where God is leading--now that takes skill and a LOT of trust.
In the chronic illness wilderness, at some point in the journey, I hink many of us learn that 'getting well' (whatever that means in our circumstances) is not as simple as ask and it will be granted. God is no genie with three wishes to give us, but God is the one who is in relationship with us and walks with us as we learn the life lessons we are meant to learn through this illness.
So what does this have to do with isolation and stubbornness? Today I want to suggest another way to look at these words from Jesus- my suggestions are in italics.
Ask (for what you need to make it through this day, and your eyes will be opened to see that God's sufficient grace surrounds and supports you in countless ways) Seek (those who can support and comfort you as you face the future, and you will find that God has already placed in your life people who will share God's love with you in countless ways) knock (and you will likely find that you are knocking on the door from the inside, but until the door of your heart is opened you cannot see it).
Loving God, in our stubbornness, fear and just plain exhaustion, it is difficult sometimes for us to come to you. Help us to remember that we were made to be in relationship with others and with you. Help us to ask, grant us grace to seek how you already give much of what we're looking for, and give us courage to knock so that we may see and understand when we're on the inside of the door and already recipients of your mercy. Amen.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday Scripture and Music Devotion
Psalm 26:1-8
1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind. 3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you. 4 I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites; 5 I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O Lord, 7 singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds. 8 O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.
Matthew 16:21-28
21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." 23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 27 "For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."Saturday, August 27, 2011
Call to prayer
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult." Psalm 46:1-3 NRSV
Today's post is an invitation to prayer for everyone who reads this blog:
Three concerns come to mind:
1.) Those in the path/aftermath of Hurricane Irene
2.) The victims and families of those killed in the attack on the casino in Mexico.
3.) The thousands facing drought and starvation in Eastern Africa
Lord of all, hear the prayers of your people. There are events in our lives and in our world that are overwhelming. Be a refuge and strength for all in need. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult." Psalm 46:1-3 NRSV
Today's post is an invitation to prayer for everyone who reads this blog:
Three concerns come to mind:
1.) Those in the path/aftermath of Hurricane Irene
2.) The victims and families of those killed in the attack on the casino in Mexico.
3.) The thousands facing drought and starvation in Eastern Africa
Lord of all, hear the prayers of your people. There are events in our lives and in our world that are overwhelming. Be a refuge and strength for all in need. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
To be, or not to be...grouchy!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7 NRSV
After 21 years of marriage, my husband should have a shirt that says "Sometimes I wake up grouchy, other mornings I let her sleep."
He is a morning person, I am not. We got used to that a long time ago, and for the most part I simply get up and stumble through my mornings in a half-daze. And then there are mornings like this morning, where he and the kids encounter "grouchy" me.
Every single thing that happens gets used as an excuse for the gruouchiness, and also adds fuel to the fire: dogs underfoot, husband making joke about something, slow moving kids, spills, drips and other kitchen messes-- all things that are very normal in our household on any given morning. By the time everyone is off to work or school, I find I've got a good head of steam going, and then I just start grumping about whatever crosses my path...and the cycle continues.
What causes these out of the ordinary grouchy days? Today, for me, it is lack of sleep and extra aches and pains due to the schedule change of getting both kids ready for school, and the switch from our summer schedule to our school-year schedule. These first weeks are always challenging to navigate. I know that. I try to prepare for it, but somehow I still fall into 'grouchland' mode.
I would like to think that this grouchy mode just simply happens, but the truth is, I allow it and I contribute to it. I have a choice. St. Paul's words to the church at Philippi are powerful, and it is not about how the people feel, but the focus is upon action. Rejoice; let your gentleness by known; do not worry but by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God-- each of these is a call to action, to make the choice to move from where they may be, to a mindset and skillset of acting that will foster faith in them and in others.
As much as I want to blame the grouchiness of this morning on other things, the reality is that somewhere along the way I made the choice to give in to grouching and focusing upon problems. I gave in to the idea that this day was going to stink and be difficult and that nothing good could come out of this morning. In doing so, I made the choice to forget God's saving love that came to me in Christ Jesus, and comes to me fresh every morning... yep, I said it...I made the choice to forget, and focus on my own upset and grouchiness.
However, when the promises of baptism tell us that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever, nothing can change that-- not the achiness and weariness of chronic illness; not events in the world around us; not even waking up grouchy.
This may sound like a petty issue- being grouchy-- but the ability to make a choice to change how we react is not petty. It can make the difference between being self-absorbed and self-serving to being a person with gentleness to make known to everyone through a servants' heart. This choice can change the outcome of our day, and I would be bold to suggest, it can change greater things than that.
So what do we do after making the choice to NOT be grouchy (or................--fill in the blank)?
a) admit what you are facing. Are you upset at something? Are you hurting-- physically or emotionally? (Pretending that everything is ok while quietly seething is NOT helpful. Being honest about how you are really feeling can be very helpful.)
b.) Make a choice to change. Choose to change an attitude, a behavior, a way of responding to others' comments. Just make the choice to change.
c) implement the change- do you need to take care of what is hurting (take a nap, make sure you've taken all meds and vitamins that you need, go for a walk or other exercise if able, talk through your upset with a friend, talk to a counselor, meditate or pray). In other words, do what you need to do to take gentle care of yourself.
d) keep going. Don't let setbacks in the day turn you back to the way you started the day.
Rejoice, let your gentleness be known, pray. Focusing upon the God of peace will open up your heart and mind, and will allow for change to take place.
Where are you at today? I'd love to hear your comments or thoughts today. For now, I need to take care of getting a nap, and making the choice to make a move from 'grouchy-land to that place where I can appreciate the gift of life and the beauty of this day and the opportunities that lay ahead.
Lord of all, there are days where the challenges seem to overwhelm us. It is easy to feel out of control, and to blame mistakes and difficulties on other people and circumstances. Help me today to make the choice to live in the life-giving freedom you offer each day, to address the difficulties head on, take gentle care of myself, and to choose to focus upon the gifts and blessings that you rain upon us everyday. Amen.
After 21 years of marriage, my husband should have a shirt that says "Sometimes I wake up grouchy, other mornings I let her sleep."
He is a morning person, I am not. We got used to that a long time ago, and for the most part I simply get up and stumble through my mornings in a half-daze. And then there are mornings like this morning, where he and the kids encounter "grouchy" me.
Every single thing that happens gets used as an excuse for the gruouchiness, and also adds fuel to the fire: dogs underfoot, husband making joke about something, slow moving kids, spills, drips and other kitchen messes-- all things that are very normal in our household on any given morning. By the time everyone is off to work or school, I find I've got a good head of steam going, and then I just start grumping about whatever crosses my path...and the cycle continues.
What causes these out of the ordinary grouchy days? Today, for me, it is lack of sleep and extra aches and pains due to the schedule change of getting both kids ready for school, and the switch from our summer schedule to our school-year schedule. These first weeks are always challenging to navigate. I know that. I try to prepare for it, but somehow I still fall into 'grouchland' mode.
I would like to think that this grouchy mode just simply happens, but the truth is, I allow it and I contribute to it. I have a choice. St. Paul's words to the church at Philippi are powerful, and it is not about how the people feel, but the focus is upon action. Rejoice; let your gentleness by known; do not worry but by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God-- each of these is a call to action, to make the choice to move from where they may be, to a mindset and skillset of acting that will foster faith in them and in others.
As much as I want to blame the grouchiness of this morning on other things, the reality is that somewhere along the way I made the choice to give in to grouching and focusing upon problems. I gave in to the idea that this day was going to stink and be difficult and that nothing good could come out of this morning. In doing so, I made the choice to forget God's saving love that came to me in Christ Jesus, and comes to me fresh every morning... yep, I said it...I made the choice to forget, and focus on my own upset and grouchiness.
However, when the promises of baptism tell us that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever, nothing can change that-- not the achiness and weariness of chronic illness; not events in the world around us; not even waking up grouchy.
This may sound like a petty issue- being grouchy-- but the ability to make a choice to change how we react is not petty. It can make the difference between being self-absorbed and self-serving to being a person with gentleness to make known to everyone through a servants' heart. This choice can change the outcome of our day, and I would be bold to suggest, it can change greater things than that.
So what do we do after making the choice to NOT be grouchy (or................--fill in the blank)?
a) admit what you are facing. Are you upset at something? Are you hurting-- physically or emotionally? (Pretending that everything is ok while quietly seething is NOT helpful. Being honest about how you are really feeling can be very helpful.)
b.) Make a choice to change. Choose to change an attitude, a behavior, a way of responding to others' comments. Just make the choice to change.
c) implement the change- do you need to take care of what is hurting (take a nap, make sure you've taken all meds and vitamins that you need, go for a walk or other exercise if able, talk through your upset with a friend, talk to a counselor, meditate or pray). In other words, do what you need to do to take gentle care of yourself.
d) keep going. Don't let setbacks in the day turn you back to the way you started the day.
Rejoice, let your gentleness be known, pray. Focusing upon the God of peace will open up your heart and mind, and will allow for change to take place.
Where are you at today? I'd love to hear your comments or thoughts today. For now, I need to take care of getting a nap, and making the choice to make a move from 'grouchy-land to that place where I can appreciate the gift of life and the beauty of this day and the opportunities that lay ahead.
Lord of all, there are days where the challenges seem to overwhelm us. It is easy to feel out of control, and to blame mistakes and difficulties on other people and circumstances. Help me today to make the choice to live in the life-giving freedom you offer each day, to address the difficulties head on, take gentle care of myself, and to choose to focus upon the gifts and blessings that you rain upon us everyday. Amen.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Perfect Peace
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4:4-7
Hi everyone,
As school starts and we adapt to a new schedule, as new tests and treatments lay on the horizon for me, and as I, like many of you, continue to struggle with the daily challenges of chronic illness, I find that while my ramblings in my head are many, I am having difficulty putting them to paper.
While seeking something to inspire today, I came across this gentle song by Laura Story. May you know the perfect peace that comes from God today, and in the days to come.
peace,
Andrea
Hi everyone,
As school starts and we adapt to a new schedule, as new tests and treatments lay on the horizon for me, and as I, like many of you, continue to struggle with the daily challenges of chronic illness, I find that while my ramblings in my head are many, I am having difficulty putting them to paper.
While seeking something to inspire today, I came across this gentle song by Laura Story. May you know the perfect peace that comes from God today, and in the days to come.
peace,
Andrea
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Everything you do
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. " Colossians 3:17 NRSV
A bit of fun and a zippy tune for a Tuesday devotion~ may it bless your day!
A bit of fun and a zippy tune for a Tuesday devotion~ may it bless your day!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Quitting- Wise Words from a Wise Friend
"Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power* is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. " 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Good morning everyone~
My apologies for the sporatic posting this past week. My husband and I both had bouts of the flu, and our daughter started high school this week, and all of it required more energy than I had. Still recovering from the flu 'bug', but a bit better this morning.
During the week, I received an email of the posting on a friend's blog. He's a Triathlete, colleague and has been a friend for over 20 years. I respect him in every way, so to hear what he shared in his blog about quitting really touched my heart, and spoke volumes to me. For if a triathlete struggles with this stuff, then it gives me (who never has been, nor ever will be a great athlete) hope and room for grace. I hope his words may speak to you today as well.
I've included the link if you want to read more of his blog work- by the way- I find him to be an engaging writer as well, so I highly recommend his blog to you.
Thank you all so much for being here, for sticking with this blog even when I'm sidelined by this chronic illness, and for sharing what you do with all of us. I think every one of you is amazing, and I wish you well for this day.
Peace,
Andrea
ps- just click on the title in the next paragraph and it should take you right to Darrell's blog.
Triatheology: Quitting: Despite my recent posts about persevering and staying the course I have to admit this has been a season of quitting for me... On the first...
Good morning everyone~
My apologies for the sporatic posting this past week. My husband and I both had bouts of the flu, and our daughter started high school this week, and all of it required more energy than I had. Still recovering from the flu 'bug', but a bit better this morning.
During the week, I received an email of the posting on a friend's blog. He's a Triathlete, colleague and has been a friend for over 20 years. I respect him in every way, so to hear what he shared in his blog about quitting really touched my heart, and spoke volumes to me. For if a triathlete struggles with this stuff, then it gives me (who never has been, nor ever will be a great athlete) hope and room for grace. I hope his words may speak to you today as well.
I've included the link if you want to read more of his blog work- by the way- I find him to be an engaging writer as well, so I highly recommend his blog to you.
Thank you all so much for being here, for sticking with this blog even when I'm sidelined by this chronic illness, and for sharing what you do with all of us. I think every one of you is amazing, and I wish you well for this day.
Peace,
Andrea
ps- just click on the title in the next paragraph and it should take you right to Darrell's blog.
Triatheology: Quitting: Despite my recent posts about persevering and staying the course I have to admit this has been a season of quitting for me... On the first...
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday Morning Reading and Music Devotion
"
Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, support and lead us today. Help us to know that no matter what we face, you are our solid rock and our savior. Amen.
Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, support and lead us today. Help us to know that no matter what we face, you are our solid rock and our savior. Amen.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thoughts on Courage
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ' Matthew 5:5 NRSV
"Sometimes courage doesn't roar; sometimes it's a quiet voice at the end of the day that says I will try again tomorrow."
(Special thank you to my mother for sending today's quote!)
"Sometimes courage doesn't roar; sometimes it's a quiet voice at the end of the day that says I will try again tomorrow."
(Special thank you to my mother for sending today's quote!)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Amazing relationship
"...they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" Romans 3:24
And for your ponderings this morning, a beautiful poem by my friend and colleague Katie.
Peace-- Andrea
AMAZING GRACE
By Pastor Katie Suggit
Grace brings even the smallest of faces
Into the grandest of spaces.
Grace gathers the least, lost, last, lonely
And lands them securely in the lap of love.
Grace is not the 'thing' that fills us up
Or makes us feel fulfilled;
It is reconciled relationship with the
Living God that makes us complete.
Grace is the holy sphere in which we find our
True being and self, and apart from which
We cannot know abundant life.
Grace grows in us senses of generosity, gentleness, and gratitude.
It is the very ground of our being.
Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Amazing Grace - now and forever.
Amen
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Museum "Allelujah" Song Explanation
Genesis 45:1-15
1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, 'This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don't delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me--you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.' 12 "You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly." 14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.The Museum - Allelujah (With Lyrics)
Verse 1:
When hardship comes to prey on hopes
And troubles seem to linger on
When death rolls on taking ones we love
You are the hope that keeps us on
Chorus:
Allelujah, Thine the glory
Allelujah, Amen!
Allelujah, Thine the glory
Revive us again!
Verse 2:
When all else seems the battles lost
And such disease is spreading on
When life grows dark and our lips are parched
You are the hope that we sing of
CHORUS
Verse 3:
When death is past and sins are gone
Alas forgiveness here is won
All daughters and sons, we will stand as one
We're safe at last in the Father's love
We're safe at last in the Father's love
Bridge:
Allelujah, Allelujah!
Allelujah, Allelujah!
CHORUS
Allelujah!
Monday, August 15, 2011
He Is
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8 NRSV
Revelation 1:8 NRSV
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Day of Prayer
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
In this wilderness of chronic illness, prayer is a common companion. Lack of prayer is also a common companion. There are times when I find that I pray fervently, and times when it is a challenge for prayer to pass my lips. Both responses are part of the reality of this territory, I believe.
On any given day we may find ourselves highly focused upon our own health issues, or we may find that we've had some relief from them and are having a day where we can focus outside of ourselves. Lately, my experience has been the former, not the latter. We have times where the concerns of our own bodies, minds and spirits are in the forefront-- perhaps no more than people without chronic illness-- but I notice that with chronic illness, self-focus is a daily response to my own health situation, and it needs to be.
As I've been pondering this week (or rather, having a hard time pondering anything but my own aches, lightheadedness and ailments) news of drought and famine in the Horn of Africa has broken through my thoughts. I've been aware of the situation for a while, as our denomination has been active in drought prevention and refugee relief for some time there, but it seems that the heart-breaking concerns of the people of East Africa are becoming widely known now.
It seems to me that those of us who live with chronic mental or physical illnesses have a unique perspective and gift to bring on behalf of others who are facing suffering. I'm not saying that I know anything of what it is to have to carry your child 100 miles in order to find food, or that I understand the level of desperation that millions of people are facing as they weigh life and death decisions each day. I will say, however, that as I've journey this path of struggle and pain, compassion has broken open in me for others in a way it has never been there before.
And so this morning I wrestle, focused upon my own challenges this morning, and also as my heart is touched by the needs of others. It strikes me that, just as the Sunday scripture and music devotion on this blog has helped meet a need for some, that perhaps a day where we focus prayer on the needs of others may be healthy for our spiritual growth on this journey. I want to try a day of prayer each week that focuses upon something other than chronic illness. Many, if not all of you probably already have a prayer focus like this. If you have a request for a global or national prayer need for a week, please email me at aljprmips@gmail.com
I am also very open to your comments and suggestions on this idea of a day of outward focused prayer, and invite you to comment or email as well.
Holy and Gracious God, even as we struggle with our own ailments and demons today, we see the struggle of the world around us. We pray that you would bring relief and comfort to those in the Horn of Africa that are hungry, grieving, fearful, exhausted, and feeling helpless and hopeless. Help us to reach out as we are able to be your hands and feet in that part of the world. We thank you for relief workers and missionaries already on the ground and pray that you would uphold them in the face of daunting circumstances. May your light and life-giving Spirit be at work in that part of the world. Amen.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
In this wilderness of chronic illness, prayer is a common companion. Lack of prayer is also a common companion. There are times when I find that I pray fervently, and times when it is a challenge for prayer to pass my lips. Both responses are part of the reality of this territory, I believe.
On any given day we may find ourselves highly focused upon our own health issues, or we may find that we've had some relief from them and are having a day where we can focus outside of ourselves. Lately, my experience has been the former, not the latter. We have times where the concerns of our own bodies, minds and spirits are in the forefront-- perhaps no more than people without chronic illness-- but I notice that with chronic illness, self-focus is a daily response to my own health situation, and it needs to be.
As I've been pondering this week (or rather, having a hard time pondering anything but my own aches, lightheadedness and ailments) news of drought and famine in the Horn of Africa has broken through my thoughts. I've been aware of the situation for a while, as our denomination has been active in drought prevention and refugee relief for some time there, but it seems that the heart-breaking concerns of the people of East Africa are becoming widely known now.
It seems to me that those of us who live with chronic mental or physical illnesses have a unique perspective and gift to bring on behalf of others who are facing suffering. I'm not saying that I know anything of what it is to have to carry your child 100 miles in order to find food, or that I understand the level of desperation that millions of people are facing as they weigh life and death decisions each day. I will say, however, that as I've journey this path of struggle and pain, compassion has broken open in me for others in a way it has never been there before.
And so this morning I wrestle, focused upon my own challenges this morning, and also as my heart is touched by the needs of others. It strikes me that, just as the Sunday scripture and music devotion on this blog has helped meet a need for some, that perhaps a day where we focus prayer on the needs of others may be healthy for our spiritual growth on this journey. I want to try a day of prayer each week that focuses upon something other than chronic illness. Many, if not all of you probably already have a prayer focus like this. If you have a request for a global or national prayer need for a week, please email me at aljprmips@gmail.com
I am also very open to your comments and suggestions on this idea of a day of outward focused prayer, and invite you to comment or email as well.
Holy and Gracious God, even as we struggle with our own ailments and demons today, we see the struggle of the world around us. We pray that you would bring relief and comfort to those in the Horn of Africa that are hungry, grieving, fearful, exhausted, and feeling helpless and hopeless. Help us to reach out as we are able to be your hands and feet in that part of the world. We thank you for relief workers and missionaries already on the ground and pray that you would uphold them in the face of daunting circumstances. May your light and life-giving Spirit be at work in that part of the world. Amen.
Friday, August 12, 2011
For such a time...
"Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b
"Just think,
you're not here by chance, but by God's choosing you. His hand formed you, He made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else --
your on of a kind. You lack nothing His grace can't give you.
He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation."
— Roy Lessin
you're not here by chance, but by God's choosing you. His hand formed you, He made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else --
your on of a kind. You lack nothing His grace can't give you.
He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation."
— Roy Lessin
Gracious God, help us to be open to your purpose for us today. Help us to see our purpose in this time, and give us the courage to live according to your loving will. Amen.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
When to say When
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 NRSV
Yesterday a friend shared with me a frequent saying of one of his favorite mentors and leaders. This high ranking official, even during high-ranking meetings, at 4:00 would dismiss himself and his staff for the day. When confronted on this his response was "It's happy hour, and you're not making me happy."
I laughed hard when I first heard this, and realized there was a great deal of wisdom in this leader's actions. Now, despite the title and the bible verse and this story, the focus of today's blog is not on T-totaling or alcohol consumption in any way. Many of us facing chronic illness, due to medications or to our condition, have to abstain from alcohol, so that's not really the issue.
The issue is limits. This leader was paying attention to the limits his body and mind had for sitting through endless meetings, or for over-working. I am amused that I'm even blogging about this, as the area of taking care of our bodies and putting healthy limits around us is something I must confess I'm pretty terrible at.
But the powerful scripture is clear. Because we are the dwelling place of God's Holy Spirit-- the very breath of God-- we are called to take care of the 'building' (our bodies). Whether that means eating a clean diet free from the sugar, or gluten, or allergens or alcohol that causes damage to our system, or that means we are to exercies as our doctor sees fit, or setting limits on our time so we can rest, it is clear that we are to have responsibility -- to the best of our ability -- to care for our bodies, not just for our sake, but for the sake of others, and for the sake of faith.
This devotion is a difficult one for me to hear today, as the past several days I've pushed through the day because there were things that needed to get done, even though my body was really struggling. I suspect many of you know what that feels like- when even something that used to be easy becomes a huge chore. For me that is grocery shopping- I usually enjoy it, but when I'm very symptomatic, it is a struggle to even get partway through the trip.
What does it mean to care for my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit? In part, I think it means paying attention to the cues of pain, nausea, lightheadedness or anxiety that my body is giving. As I said in the intro to this blog, our society is used to taking very little time being sick, and usually push through whatever we are feeling. I can no longer do that successfully for any period of time. So that means the ripe peaches and tomatoes on the counter will have to wait a bit longer (instead of my freezing or canning them today, which I'd love to do). The clutter on the table can wait- or I can take it a few minutes at a time to clean it off.
Ultimately, knowing when to say when is about respecting the 'temple' that we are, and being faithful in caring for it respectfully, lovingly, and gently so that God's Spirit can work most powerfully through us. It isn't about enduring more difficulties, but rather surrendering ourselves more to God's care, trusting that when we give up having to 'do' more God actually works more fully in us.
Peace to you today as you look at your own limits, and as you care for the magnificent 'temple' that you have been made to be.
Holy God, it is difficult for many of us to go against what society has taught us about pushing through pain, and overworking ourselves. Give us another vision about caring for this body that you've given us, and help us glorify you in the process of setting and keeping healthy limits. Amen.
Yesterday a friend shared with me a frequent saying of one of his favorite mentors and leaders. This high ranking official, even during high-ranking meetings, at 4:00 would dismiss himself and his staff for the day. When confronted on this his response was "It's happy hour, and you're not making me happy."
I laughed hard when I first heard this, and realized there was a great deal of wisdom in this leader's actions. Now, despite the title and the bible verse and this story, the focus of today's blog is not on T-totaling or alcohol consumption in any way. Many of us facing chronic illness, due to medications or to our condition, have to abstain from alcohol, so that's not really the issue.
The issue is limits. This leader was paying attention to the limits his body and mind had for sitting through endless meetings, or for over-working. I am amused that I'm even blogging about this, as the area of taking care of our bodies and putting healthy limits around us is something I must confess I'm pretty terrible at.
But the powerful scripture is clear. Because we are the dwelling place of God's Holy Spirit-- the very breath of God-- we are called to take care of the 'building' (our bodies). Whether that means eating a clean diet free from the sugar, or gluten, or allergens or alcohol that causes damage to our system, or that means we are to exercies as our doctor sees fit, or setting limits on our time so we can rest, it is clear that we are to have responsibility -- to the best of our ability -- to care for our bodies, not just for our sake, but for the sake of others, and for the sake of faith.
This devotion is a difficult one for me to hear today, as the past several days I've pushed through the day because there were things that needed to get done, even though my body was really struggling. I suspect many of you know what that feels like- when even something that used to be easy becomes a huge chore. For me that is grocery shopping- I usually enjoy it, but when I'm very symptomatic, it is a struggle to even get partway through the trip.
What does it mean to care for my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit? In part, I think it means paying attention to the cues of pain, nausea, lightheadedness or anxiety that my body is giving. As I said in the intro to this blog, our society is used to taking very little time being sick, and usually push through whatever we are feeling. I can no longer do that successfully for any period of time. So that means the ripe peaches and tomatoes on the counter will have to wait a bit longer (instead of my freezing or canning them today, which I'd love to do). The clutter on the table can wait- or I can take it a few minutes at a time to clean it off.
Ultimately, knowing when to say when is about respecting the 'temple' that we are, and being faithful in caring for it respectfully, lovingly, and gently so that God's Spirit can work most powerfully through us. It isn't about enduring more difficulties, but rather surrendering ourselves more to God's care, trusting that when we give up having to 'do' more God actually works more fully in us.
Peace to you today as you look at your own limits, and as you care for the magnificent 'temple' that you have been made to be.
Holy God, it is difficult for many of us to go against what society has taught us about pushing through pain, and overworking ourselves. Give us another vision about caring for this body that you've given us, and help us glorify you in the process of setting and keeping healthy limits. Amen.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Lighter the next time
"This is so much lighter than I remember. Oh, yeah...I'm stronger!"
It's funny how, in the midst of normal, everyday conversation, God speaks through those around us. It was a simple task...my 10 year old son and I went to the basement to get the Quesadilla maker (yes, we have something to melt cheese in tortillas! - His favorite food!!) I was feeling pretty off and dizzy, so I asked him to carry it up the stairs.
That's when the words broke through the fog. Our son was just commenting on the Quesadilla maker, but God put those words right into my heart. First, I was just amused at my son's reflection on his own strength-- it made me smile. But then I realized that it was a much greater truth that I was hearing. We do get stronger, even when we aren't aware of it.
Going through the wilderness of Chronic illness, in the midst of daily struggles that buffet us like a desert sandstorm, it is hard to see our own growth. For those who have been on this journey for years, or who have a progressive illness, it is likely even more difficult to see the growth. Our human eyes often only see in physical strength terms. Of course there is no way that I am physically stronger than I was 3 years ago. However, to have the strength to move through this wilderness, one needs so much more than physical strength...mental, emotional and spiritual fortitude are essential here-- and this wilderness is exactly the place where we develop those kinds of powerful strengths.
There are parts of this illness journey that used to knock me flat emotionally before that I barely give second thought to now. And the combination of 'things' I'm facing at the present time-- I'm not sure I could have handled them with patience and endurance before. Like comparing a long-distance runner and a sprinter, our strength and endurance on this journey is measured differently than much of the rest of the world measures patience and endurance in illness.
You are stronger than you know. What you are facing now will be lighter the next time you face it. And just perhaps, what you are facing today seems a bit lighter... because you are stronger now.
Whatever you are facing, remember you do not need to face it alone. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30)
Lord, sometimes our burdens are very heavy, and we wonder how we could ever be strong enough to carry them. Show us today how you have already been with us in the past, and have helped us grow. Remind us, through everyday, ordinary things that you are with us, and you will supply the Grace to face each day. Give us encouragement, and help us to find the rest and strength we need for today. Amen.
It's funny how, in the midst of normal, everyday conversation, God speaks through those around us. It was a simple task...my 10 year old son and I went to the basement to get the Quesadilla maker (yes, we have something to melt cheese in tortillas! - His favorite food!!) I was feeling pretty off and dizzy, so I asked him to carry it up the stairs.
That's when the words broke through the fog. Our son was just commenting on the Quesadilla maker, but God put those words right into my heart. First, I was just amused at my son's reflection on his own strength-- it made me smile. But then I realized that it was a much greater truth that I was hearing. We do get stronger, even when we aren't aware of it.
Going through the wilderness of Chronic illness, in the midst of daily struggles that buffet us like a desert sandstorm, it is hard to see our own growth. For those who have been on this journey for years, or who have a progressive illness, it is likely even more difficult to see the growth. Our human eyes often only see in physical strength terms. Of course there is no way that I am physically stronger than I was 3 years ago. However, to have the strength to move through this wilderness, one needs so much more than physical strength...mental, emotional and spiritual fortitude are essential here-- and this wilderness is exactly the place where we develop those kinds of powerful strengths.
There are parts of this illness journey that used to knock me flat emotionally before that I barely give second thought to now. And the combination of 'things' I'm facing at the present time-- I'm not sure I could have handled them with patience and endurance before. Like comparing a long-distance runner and a sprinter, our strength and endurance on this journey is measured differently than much of the rest of the world measures patience and endurance in illness.
You are stronger than you know. What you are facing now will be lighter the next time you face it. And just perhaps, what you are facing today seems a bit lighter... because you are stronger now.
Whatever you are facing, remember you do not need to face it alone. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30)
Lord, sometimes our burdens are very heavy, and we wonder how we could ever be strong enough to carry them. Show us today how you have already been with us in the past, and have helped us grow. Remind us, through everyday, ordinary things that you are with us, and you will supply the Grace to face each day. Give us encouragement, and help us to find the rest and strength we need for today. Amen.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Away for today
Hi everyone,
Just a very brief note...I have health issues that are keeping me away from the computer (except for very short amounts of time) today. Not dangerous issues, but time and energy consuming ones. I need to attend to those health issues today. I hope to post again tomorrow.
Thank you for understanding~
Andrea
Just a very brief note...I have health issues that are keeping me away from the computer (except for very short amounts of time) today. Not dangerous issues, but time and energy consuming ones. I need to attend to those health issues today. I hope to post again tomorrow.
Thank you for understanding~
Andrea
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday Morning Scripture and Song Devotion
"Matthew 14:22-33
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." 28 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." 28 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Call to prayer
Today is a call to prayer for all those connected with this blog~
In the past there have been natural disasters that have prompted this call, but today, I would ask you to choose that which is closest to your heart. There are many issues in our world, in our nations, in our hometowns and in our homes for which prayer is needed.
Today I simply ask us all to raise special prayers for concerns near and far~ and for all those connected with this blog.
peace to you,
Andrea
In the past there have been natural disasters that have prompted this call, but today, I would ask you to choose that which is closest to your heart. There are many issues in our world, in our nations, in our hometowns and in our homes for which prayer is needed.
Today I simply ask us all to raise special prayers for concerns near and far~ and for all those connected with this blog.
peace to you,
Andrea
Friday, August 5, 2011
Fed
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." 16 Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." 17 They replied, "We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish." 18 And he said, "Bring them here to me." 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:13-21 NRSV
Having preached on and taught this lesson for many years, there are many ideas that jump out at me from the past. But the goal of this blog is to look at things from a Chronic Hope perspective-- to look with different eyes than I've used for the past 18 years...
The first thing that strikes me about this portion of scripture is that the people are desperate. They are searching for Jesus, and even go looking for him when he has removed himself from the 12, and from everyone else. They had been to the local healers, and priests, and there was nothing more that those folks could do for them. All the traditional means were exhausted. They were searching and they were desperate. They heard he was in the area and they left home, traveled various distances and hoped to get close to him....hoped that he might heal them or a loved one.
Many of us know this desperation, don't we-- or something like it? As I read some reports on POTS and Dysautonomia sites, or on PTSD or Chronic Fatigue, MS, MD, Bipolar,(and the list goes on) story after story is told of folks who exhausted themselves and resources searching for answers. There is understandably a sense of desperation that comes when a diagnosis doesn't come, or when initial treatments fail. Even in this day and age of the greatest medical knowledge, technology and resources in history there are many folks who are told that there is nothing more that can be done. Some have been told that they just have to "live with it", or, more problematic, that it's "all in their head". For those that eventually are given a diagnosis, or who find a knowledgeable doctor who is able to help them understand their condition, even if not manage it well, that doctor is miraculous, and a gift.
It is helpful to spell all this out as we look at Jesus and the interaction with the crowd. I think we may have some insight into what these folks were feeling as they sought out Jesus-- a fact that until now , for me, was usually just a 'lead-up' to the real story. But Jesus is God incarnate- God in the flesh. The real story here is that when Jesus interacts with them he interacts fully. He sees them and has compassion and heals people. Out of that full engagement with people, we then see the extravagant grace of God pour out through the feeding of the 5,000. (Or probably closer to 15,000 if you count the women and children) It makes sense, doesn't it, that Jesus has them sit, and he feeds them from a few fish and a bit of bread, the equivalent of a snack for a boy? After all, the same power that glorified God in the feeding of the multitude, is the power that healed the 'unhealable', had compassion on the desperate, and poured out love on those who were fighting their illness alone. How else would Jesus act?
It also makes sense from a wholly (holy!) generous perspective that the one who extravagantly fed the crowd that day would then turn around and become bread for the world- his body broken, and his blood poured out for all people. Wherever you may feel like you fit into this story-- as the desperate one seeking help, or the healed one, or the one who is filled to overflowing with a surprise--- may you know the extravagant care, compassion and sustaining love of God wherever you may be.
Generous God, look with compassion upon all who are desperate and all who call upon you. Reach out your hand and nurture and feed the bodies and spirits of all in need of your tender care. Amen.
Matthew 14:13-21 NRSV
Having preached on and taught this lesson for many years, there are many ideas that jump out at me from the past. But the goal of this blog is to look at things from a Chronic Hope perspective-- to look with different eyes than I've used for the past 18 years...
The first thing that strikes me about this portion of scripture is that the people are desperate. They are searching for Jesus, and even go looking for him when he has removed himself from the 12, and from everyone else. They had been to the local healers, and priests, and there was nothing more that those folks could do for them. All the traditional means were exhausted. They were searching and they were desperate. They heard he was in the area and they left home, traveled various distances and hoped to get close to him....hoped that he might heal them or a loved one.
Many of us know this desperation, don't we-- or something like it? As I read some reports on POTS and Dysautonomia sites, or on PTSD or Chronic Fatigue, MS, MD, Bipolar,(and the list goes on) story after story is told of folks who exhausted themselves and resources searching for answers. There is understandably a sense of desperation that comes when a diagnosis doesn't come, or when initial treatments fail. Even in this day and age of the greatest medical knowledge, technology and resources in history there are many folks who are told that there is nothing more that can be done. Some have been told that they just have to "live with it", or, more problematic, that it's "all in their head". For those that eventually are given a diagnosis, or who find a knowledgeable doctor who is able to help them understand their condition, even if not manage it well, that doctor is miraculous, and a gift.
It is helpful to spell all this out as we look at Jesus and the interaction with the crowd. I think we may have some insight into what these folks were feeling as they sought out Jesus-- a fact that until now , for me, was usually just a 'lead-up' to the real story. But Jesus is God incarnate- God in the flesh. The real story here is that when Jesus interacts with them he interacts fully. He sees them and has compassion and heals people. Out of that full engagement with people, we then see the extravagant grace of God pour out through the feeding of the 5,000. (Or probably closer to 15,000 if you count the women and children) It makes sense, doesn't it, that Jesus has them sit, and he feeds them from a few fish and a bit of bread, the equivalent of a snack for a boy? After all, the same power that glorified God in the feeding of the multitude, is the power that healed the 'unhealable', had compassion on the desperate, and poured out love on those who were fighting their illness alone. How else would Jesus act?
It also makes sense from a wholly (holy!) generous perspective that the one who extravagantly fed the crowd that day would then turn around and become bread for the world- his body broken, and his blood poured out for all people. Wherever you may feel like you fit into this story-- as the desperate one seeking help, or the healed one, or the one who is filled to overflowing with a surprise--- may you know the extravagant care, compassion and sustaining love of God wherever you may be.
Generous God, look with compassion upon all who are desperate and all who call upon you. Reach out your hand and nurture and feed the bodies and spirits of all in need of your tender care. Amen.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Hope of What Awaits...
"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 NRSV
As you know by now, the theme of Chronic Hope is to give hope to folks dealing with long-term illnesses, and to focus on God's presence and hope in the midst of our day to day lives. Part of that hope, however, comes from a promise that is beyond us...that awaits for us...and that we, too, await.
When I first heard the following song, I was driving in my car, and had to pull over. Sometimes... yes, friends, sometimes...there are those who can give us a glimpse of what awaits. Those of us wearied by chronic illness need that hope to flood our hearts too...
May the Lord's amazing, beautiful, comforting, life-giving hope surround and fill you today~
As you know by now, the theme of Chronic Hope is to give hope to folks dealing with long-term illnesses, and to focus on God's presence and hope in the midst of our day to day lives. Part of that hope, however, comes from a promise that is beyond us...that awaits for us...and that we, too, await.
When I first heard the following song, I was driving in my car, and had to pull over. Sometimes... yes, friends, sometimes...there are those who can give us a glimpse of what awaits. Those of us wearied by chronic illness need that hope to flood our hearts too...
May the Lord's amazing, beautiful, comforting, life-giving hope surround and fill you today~
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Regrouping
"Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself." Matthew 14:13a
Jesus had just heard of the violent death of John the Baptist. He needed time away, and so he went to a deserted place by himself. As we read scripture, we know that Jesus was often followed by the crowds and had little time to himself-- as happens in the next verses-- but I think his action to get away to a quiet place is important. Jesus, the son of God, fully God and fully human, experienced the full range of human emotion and experiences. During his three year public ministry, he experienced things that had an intensity that we could not understand. If it was important for Jesus to have time away from the intensities of human interactions, it is important for us as well to sometimes have time away.
For some of us this time away sounds threatening--particularly if we are extroverts who are energized being around people. For some of us, time away sounds as wonderful as a vacation on a deserted tropical beach-- especially if we are introverts.
One of the challenges with chronic illness is that we do not always have the choice to get away, either as those who wrestle with illness, or as those who partner and care for those with illness. We may not be able to leave our place or have someone else partner with a loved one easily.
However, time away, is important. We often do face intense circumstances with chronic illness, whether it is a new symptom or diagnosis, or whether it is simply that the same difficulties have to be faced day after day. We can get worn out by this wilderness.
Time away can be literal or figurative- with a trip, or a virtual trip away in a book or movie. Time away can be some silence and the home to ourselves while others are at work, or out shopping-- or it can be leaving the house while our loved one is safely at home.
Time away is important. When was your last time to have time "away"? How might you schedule some time to get away by yourself, for prayer, for relaxation...for a breather?
Lord, renew us by those times when we can get away by ourselves. Fill us with your loving presence and help us to lay the cares and intensities of daily life into your hands. Amen.
Jesus had just heard of the violent death of John the Baptist. He needed time away, and so he went to a deserted place by himself. As we read scripture, we know that Jesus was often followed by the crowds and had little time to himself-- as happens in the next verses-- but I think his action to get away to a quiet place is important. Jesus, the son of God, fully God and fully human, experienced the full range of human emotion and experiences. During his three year public ministry, he experienced things that had an intensity that we could not understand. If it was important for Jesus to have time away from the intensities of human interactions, it is important for us as well to sometimes have time away.
For some of us this time away sounds threatening--particularly if we are extroverts who are energized being around people. For some of us, time away sounds as wonderful as a vacation on a deserted tropical beach-- especially if we are introverts.
One of the challenges with chronic illness is that we do not always have the choice to get away, either as those who wrestle with illness, or as those who partner and care for those with illness. We may not be able to leave our place or have someone else partner with a loved one easily.
However, time away, is important. We often do face intense circumstances with chronic illness, whether it is a new symptom or diagnosis, or whether it is simply that the same difficulties have to be faced day after day. We can get worn out by this wilderness.
Time away can be literal or figurative- with a trip, or a virtual trip away in a book or movie. Time away can be some silence and the home to ourselves while others are at work, or out shopping-- or it can be leaving the house while our loved one is safely at home.
Time away is important. When was your last time to have time "away"? How might you schedule some time to get away by yourself, for prayer, for relaxation...for a breather?
Lord, renew us by those times when we can get away by ourselves. Fill us with your loving presence and help us to lay the cares and intensities of daily life into your hands. Amen.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Some Days...
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 NRSV
Some days... just hurt.
Some days... we don't hurt, and we're not sure why.
Some days... are just grumpy.
Some days... we do our best just to not lose ground.
Some days... we lose ground anyway...
Some days... we get tired of fighting.
Some days... we feel like we can take on the world.
Some days... we wake up wondering how we're going to make it through another day.
Some days... we are surprised by the kindness of others
Some days... our health takes a turn and we have no idea why.
Some days... we experience most or all of the above in the same day.
Every day...no matter what we face, we are held in the tender, compassionate love of God.
Gentle God, you know what we face...some days. Help us to know that peace which passes all understanding, and to know your presence and care every day. Amen.
Some days... just hurt.
Some days... we don't hurt, and we're not sure why.
Some days... are just grumpy.
Some days... we do our best just to not lose ground.
Some days... we lose ground anyway...
Some days... we get tired of fighting.
Some days... we feel like we can take on the world.
Some days... we wake up wondering how we're going to make it through another day.
Some days... we are surprised by the kindness of others
Some days... our health takes a turn and we have no idea why.
Some days... we experience most or all of the above in the same day.
Every day...no matter what we face, we are held in the tender, compassionate love of God.
Gentle God, you know what we face...some days. Help us to know that peace which passes all understanding, and to know your presence and care every day. Amen.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Brief thoughts
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
"The flower that follows the sun does so even in cloudy days"- Robert Leighton
Holy God, may our prayers follow you, even on the days that are 'cloudy'. Amen.
"The flower that follows the sun does so even in cloudy days"- Robert Leighton
Holy God, may our prayers follow you, even on the days that are 'cloudy'. Amen.
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