ONE THOUSAND GIFTS

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transparent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. ~ Sara Ban Breathnach

Friday, March 18, 2011

Week II - Day 2 - The Evening Review

I'm away from home this evening so I can attend a training session early tomorrow morning. The time spent early, will enable me to serve as a facilitator at my church's denomination meeting later in the day.  This meeting has been called solely to vote on several controversial amendments. My heart is heavy as I consider these amendments.  I weigh the energy and money going into these seemingly never ending conversations...of which there seems to be no winner.

My mind wanders to some of the life situations of individuals and families who come through my office...and I wonder again about the energy and money going into these denominational conversations when I am surrounded by so many very real "life" needs.

Today, you and I were to be intentional about listening.  Joyce asked us to set aside one hour today that we would be especially attentive to every piece of life, so that we might find God there.  What a helpful suggestion for this day, except I am still not sure what God wants me to do.  Once again, "God, I want to do your will, but I am torn... The Serenity Prayer

Breathing in: I listen...
Breathing out:...You are here.


How can we all be "listening to God" yet hear two very different messages?

How do I know for sure what God wants me to do?  There are strong voices from both sides...each claiming to know the will of God.

I listen to the reason of inclusion... "We are all sinners. I would rather be a sinner on the side of "love".

I listen to the reason of what is right/wrong.

For tonight, I will empty these concerns of tomorrow, from my heart so that I might have a peaceful night.

I will empty these concerns of tomorrow, trusting God to hold them.Tomorrow morning, I will leave the motel early with a prayer that I listen, and discover God's presence...and God's peace.

I will breathe in as the training begins:...I listen....  I will breathe out: ... You are here.

I have four young grandkids.  Their hands seem so small when I hold them in my own.  I would do anything for these four I love them.....

If that is true of my simple human heart, then how much greater would be God's love.

Just as my grandkids can rest and lean into me, I can rest and lean into God.  Regardless of what happens tomorrow, it is in God's hands.  I will be do my best to be faithful.  I will do my best to be a love song.

Thanks be, to God.

Many Blessings ~ Sandi

2 comments:

  1. Oh, the controversial amendments of life. The never ending question of when to take a stand and when to bake a casserole or quietly sit holding another of God's people. I don't know the answer but find myself repulsed by the church leaders trying to preserve their stations in life. There is enough pain and suffering in this world without the finger pointers flexing their muscles. For tonight, I guess I will choose to appreciate not judge my friends.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I finished the first chapter of the book study for Sunday this weeek - Calm my Anxious Heart" - by Linda Dillow. It seems to connect God's word with the book by Joyce Rupp. May I fix my eyes on eternity. God is the controller of my life. I need to let Him be in control. Philippians 4:11-13 adn 1 Timothy 6:15 God promises all that we need. May I choose to keep focused on the One Sovereign God.

    ReplyDelete