Believing in the Worthiness of All

“A collective sense of worthiness could shake the world.”

Brené Brown

It could, but will it?

I do not mean to sound like a negative Nelly after feeling like a prickly pear just a few days ago, but there you have it. Will we ever collect enough sense of worthiness to shake us awake, much less shake the world?

I do not know.

But I do know two things, tops:

God, for whatever reason, chose us to be part of the shake up. This seems like such a crazy strategic plan, seeing as how courage so often fails us and we are so good at diminishing ourselves and others.

Thing two: God is moving. His pace may feel slow, but his word assures us that his plans will come to fruition. He wants a kingdom where the inherent worth of all is a given, not a cause for alarm or protest.

I’m settling into this idea that I am old enough that I may never see a world shaken by worthiness. But I refuse to abandon the plan. I don’t want to slow the pace down by my own actions. I am fully well aware that I am a small pea in a big pot of peas living on a tiny dot of the timeline of creation. But there is “thing one” and “thing two” to consider.

So for today, I choose to believe in the worthiness of all. And I am going to continue to feel alarmed when anyone’s worth is diminished and do my part to be a voice of dissent when worthiness is not valued for all and by all.

But first, I need a nap. Also something God does not frown on because he knows we are frail and mere mortals. We really do need a discussion with Him about why he feels so strongly that we can be a part of his kingdom coming work!

Contemplating Your Journey

“When your road is a dead end, it’s likely that you’ll find it's only really just a bend, and though others’ roads are different, it doesn’t mean yours is wrong, so pick yourself up again, and just keep trudging on.”

Erin Hanson

I’m a sucker for a good journey metaphor. But perhaps we could add to this one. Maybe we could ask for someone to give us a hand getting up. And once arisen, maybe we could pause and thank the helper. If it feels as if the standing took all you had, look for a bench to sit on and contemplate how far you’ve come before you set out to where you are headed.

Breathe...rest...relax.

A Springtime Prayer

“Deep roots never doubt that spring will come.”

Marty Rubin

Spring is coming! Let’s pray.

Father, as we take a breath today, we thank you that Spring is coming! Early signs are appearing in my yard. My daffodils do not seem to care that it’s been a tough year, they’re just shooting up out of the cold, dark soil like it is their job. And I guess that’s what it is. You gave the lowly daffodil the hard work of ushering in Spring. Thank you for the daffodils!

For those without a sign of Spring to hold onto - grant them a memory of Spring in their heart! We all could use a little encouragement right about now. Thank you for choosing cherry blossoms and dogwoods, crocuses and buttery yellow sun streaming through windows to remind us that you are still at work and things will change.

Amen

Finding Balance

“Balance isn’t fitting everything in. It’s starting with what’s important and letting the rest fall as it will.”

Erica Layne

I do not know why I am so tired and worn out today. I woke up tired. But I got my workout in and my quiet time practiced without slumping into a nap. In a few minutes, I might need a nap and that will be A-OK, but first - the important things. I sat for a while and then went into the kitchen and prepped for dinner. At a minimum, Pete can heat these foods up and we can eat tonight.

Last night I had big plans for today. Cleaning and organizing and writing and reading. Maybe tomorrow.

I am considering how I feel about my day. I am tempted to feel cranky and impatient with the piles of laundry to fold and, to be honest, a bigger pile of dirty laundry to wash. But fortunately, I am considering. And I’ve decided that I’m going to appreciate that I completed what I have done today and thankful that maybe tomorrow I can get a couple more things accomplished.

I’m grateful that balancing is not fitting everything in. I am committed to doing what I can manage. If your day is shaping up full of vim, vigor and vitality I am so happy for you. But if not, I hope you will find one important thing today to attend to - it may be a good nap!

A Quiet Space of Strength

“Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak.”

Unknown

My granddaughter needs to get into gymnastics as soon as possible. We are running out of options at Meme’s house for her to express her athletic prowess and dramatic moves. Our TRX, end tables, exercise balls and weight bench have all become places for Norah to practice her moves. When she tried to do a pull up using an end table with a big lamp on it, we had to get LOUD to get her attention. Otherwise, that lamp was going to tumble and her head was probably going to be the thing that broke its fall.

But mostly, loud is not the way God works.

God is often quiet. He is in the song of the bird, the sneaky budding of plants in spring. Did you ever catch a leaf opening? God is quiet in his relentless movement towards justice and mercy for all. He is in the steady murmur of a new father as he rocks his wailing, loud baby to sleep.

God is quiet. God is showing us how to do strong.

Could you find some quiet today in your life? Just a few minutes is better than none.

See if conscious contact with God improves when you move into his quiet space of strength.