I appreciate a Monday holiday so much; it comes like a breath of fresh air. At the same time, it is easy for me to forget to give myself a bit of grace for the remaining days of the week. That feeling of “falling short” comes too quickly as Tuesday morning arrives! It happens in other moments too. Can you relate?
We feel behind before we ever begin.
We review our words and actions, only to find we fell far short of what we intended.
Instant communication preempted a well-timed note or call.
Interruptions prevented the intentional act of kindness.
We experience a “holiday” with no buffer of an added day to “make up” for it.
We go on “vacation” but need time to recover from the travel.
Just stop. Take a deep breath. We are not “behind” on anything; we are simply where we are today. In many cultures time to rest is part of living. In many cultures time spent with family and friends is more important than production.
In the culture of the kingdom of God – there are priorities. Begin with what is most important for the day; the remaining tasks will fill in all the spaces.
Perhaps we step into this week with a pace that trusts our Creator more than we trust our desires and demands of ourselves and others.
This morning my reading included a chapter in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. A particular verse landed on my mind and heart:
For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. – Romans 11:32
Where we fall short, God’s mercy is abundant. This is a human condition that we all share; we all fall short (Romans 3). We are all in need of God’s mercy and grace. How is God’s mercy being made available for you today?
The “doxology” that comes after Romans 11:32 may be a way for us to acknowledge the wisdom and mercy of God as we walk into the remaining days of the week:
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Holy God, we acknowledge you and thank you for the gift of life today. For those who grieve and struggle in any way, grant your mercy in abundance. May your peace move into the pace and space of our days so that we walk more humbly wherever we go. Reveal yourself in ways that help each of us and all of us see you. Give us courage to follow you when you make yourself known. We love you, Lord, and we trust you completely. Amen.
Life in the Deep End 
Ohh Vona,
Once again, I don’t know how you know, but you just do. The Kingdom on Earth is at Hand in your heart and knowing words. You give us respite when we too need a day of reflection following a Monday holiday. And then, you take us deeper to the only place we are ever meant to land. Squarely at the feet of Jesus, repenting, and seeking the Grace that is the Peace He and only He can give us.
And so we move on through our day, content and grateful. It has been His Holy Spirit that has taken us to higher ground. Your Blessed devotional, Vona, has forgiven us for our errant thinking that we have fallen yet again short of our list for the day.
I doubt that Jesus keeps count as we check things off, one after another. And so, we will stop and take a deep breath, and Know.
All my heartfelt love and gratitude,
Becky
Eloquent and simple and in so doing Vona your words are a blessing, a salve of sorts really… A reminder, invitation and permission really to view how are faults our falling short… Any struggle we encounter we can notice, realize, even accept especially when we give them to God so His mercy can over flow upon us -can help us grow, endure, heal and even thrive! Amen