Keep on….
One day last week, my husband, Ron, gathered up his camera equipment and headed out to find some late-autumn colors. This scene from the Japanese Gardens in Spokane, Washington, speaks peace and reminds me to keep on trying to build bridges. I hope you’ll read more in today’s post.
I confess I find the world in which God has placed you and me to be complicated!
For instance, tomorrow is election day. I will go to our polling station at St. Pius Church and cast my ballot gratefully, prayerfully, and hopefully. But I’ll probably walk away feeling a bit confused. I find it difficult to make sense of the plethora of passion within the political arena.
Even within the Christian community, which I love dearly, there is often sincere but nevertheless, harsh dissension, disagreement, and division.
How can I, a grandmother who possesses no great power and only minimal influence, make a difference? How can I be one who builds bridges of peace and understanding in the world in which God has placed me?
Here are a few Monday morning musings:
(Lone tree at Finch Arboretum, Spokane)
When I feel like I am unimpressive and standing alone, keep on remembering that Jesus looks at my heart, and even seemingly insignificant things done in his name matter:
And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42 (NLT)
(Rails to Trails Bridge south of Rosalia, Washington)
Keep on searching for ways to authentically walk out my faith. I especially liked the line in this prayer: “show us new ways in which hatred can be left behind, wounds can be healed, and unity can be restored.”
“O Lord, awaken the consciousness of all peoples and their leaders; raise up men and women full of love and generosity who can speak and act for peace, and show us new ways in which hatred can be left behind, wounds can be healed, and unity can be restored. Amen.” — Henri J.M. Nouwen (from “A Cry for Mercy”)
Keep on taking the next step. Dig in my heels of faith and refuse to stop asking God for good gifts for myself, those I love, my faith community, my nation, and the world.
… I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NRSVUE)
Prayer:
Everlasting, holy God,
Circumstances surrounding me feel daunting,
Angry voices deafening,
Divisions insurmountable.
Please remind me often
To be still and remember You are God—always and forever, never changing.
Your voice speaks peace;
Your love brings unity.
Give me the gift of Divine ideas
So I may keep on walking each day joyfully,
Keep on crossing each bridge faithfully.
Amen
