Lord give us strength to dust off our wings and rise up from the places across the world where we’ve been waiting for healing…for peace… for love to cover the wounds of this life.
Lord give us faith to move mountains especially the ones we created without knowing or necessity; striving for what will not feed us or help and guide us, and often for what is killing us.
Lord give us courage to follow the star of your leading. Be our help and our guide our wisdom and discernment; the clarion voice that pierces every noise, alarm, explosion and constant static.
Creator of Hope, who brings order out of chaos Light into darkness Redemption of our failures Forgiveness of all sin Love everlasting, humble us that we might fly again. Or perhaps…for the first time we have ever taken flight for you. We place ourselves into your merciful hands. Amen.
So how do you say “adieu!” to a year like nothing we have ever experienced? I’ve thought about it all day as I’ve walked through each hour. Gracious! Who would have ever imagined such a year?
I do think transitions are important and even holy. Even transitions that are messy, complicated and full of infection – can still be holy when God is with us. Actually, these may be some of our more important and holy transitions. God’s people have always had messiness surrounding holy events. Can’t imagine that? Remember where and how Jesus was born? Pretty messy situation– and the angels sang!
I wonder where angels were singing in 2020?
It has definitely been a year packed full of challenge, stress and a lot of disappointments, but there have also been moments that I will forever hold in my heart. Moments that seemed like gifts from God. Moments that are precious; better than gold. Moments that still take my breath away when I recall them. Words never justify when we experience “awe”. Perhaps that is when the angels were singing!
God, thank you for moments of awe this year that reminded us that we are more than simply human. We are yours. And you will often involve us in what you are doing on earth, even taking us by surprise and giving us roles we never anticipated. We name these holy moments before you now and we are grateful.
There has been peace where it was least expected. Peace about hard decisions made. Peace in accepting things outside of our control. Peace in the middle of storms that were destroying what we hold dear. It is the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding”. It doesn’t make sense when we look at what’s happening around us, but God gives it anyway to make sure we know that even in the darkest, most difficult situations, the resurrected Christ has pulled up a chair beside us and will not leave
One event when that peace showed up happened when my sister and I were with our mom at her apartment this summer. Mom was fragile; recovering from a fall and she was eating her first good meal in several days. The three of us were there. A few minutes into the meal Mom said, “I don’t feel well”. We started to prop her feet up and she slumped over; total loss of consciousness. We got her safely from the chair to the floor; my sister called 911. Oreo (my dog) came to her side and pushed himself up against her; not budging. EMS launched and the 911 dispatcher held presence with my sister. I opened Mom’s airway – no breathing. Positioning her for CPR, our seconds felt like long minutes. She finally took a breath. And after what felt like way too long, she took another breath. Not awake; not alert, but some breathing. Praise God!
When EMS arrived, Oreo jumped up to greet them. First with a warning bark and then quickly with a jumping welcome to the Paramedic. She recognized him: “is this the dog from the church?” Mom is breathing and conscious by now, though still very foggy. It turns out that the responding EMS crew is the same crew that had recently stationed in our church for a month. Oreo works at the church too, so he knew them. Peace. They placed the EKG leads on mom’s chest and ran a 12-lead. Oreo positioned himself between mom and the EKG monitor as we prepared for transport. Peace. She’s alive. She’s breathing. God sent someone who knows us. Peace.
God thank you for all the peace you have given in so many difficult situations of 2020. Thank you for bringing peace into decision making when we had to go against the norm and follow what we can only name as divine wisdom and discernment. Thank you for the peace you brought to every hospital bedside as doctors and nurses were making decisions. We recognize this peace as your gracious gift in very difficult times. We name those experiences of peace now.
There have been friends, colleagues and family who have navigated through this year with us. We may have been alone physically, but we have mostly not had to travel this road without others. The blessing of “presence”, however it comes, is immeasurable. There are not always words. There are not always actions that can take away the sting of life’s disappointments and heartaches. But the presence of another who is simply willing to “be with” is a divine provision.
My extended family (Aunts, Uncles and cousins) is very large and we discovered the Marco Polo app in 2020. This place of technology has become a family reunion that comes in daily excerpts as someone in our group of 44 people, shares a story or a greeting from their life. For the past few months we have shared family stories across 4 generations. A priceless gift of presence that has changed everything. We’ve visited each other’s homes (through the app). We’ve had a full tour of Uncle Bill’s antique tractor collection and seen the blueberry bushes of our cousin in Oregon. We’ve heard stories of my mom’s generation and we have said prayers of peace and goodbye as mom’s sister, my Aunt Sarah, reached the end of her life on earth. We have lived “life” together across the distances, offering the gift of presence in the way it was possible.
God thank you for the many ways you have provided the presence of friends, family and colleagues when we need it most.We could have had no one, but you created way after way for us to be reminded someone cares. We name those people who have given us the gift of their presence in whatever way they could this year.
For the year 2020 – I bid a peaceful farewell! May we take every blessing and let go of every curse. Let our anger remind us of our passion for life and what we hold so dear. Where loneliness lingers, may we remember to reach out for the hand of another. The gift of life and presence is ever more beautiful. May our tears turn to joy in the coming days as we shed the weight of burdens carried. Lord, ready us to take up the wings you have given us for flight!
Thank you, God, for the richness of life. Humble us enough to fly! Amen.
How is it that all the hope and joy and tragedy and sorrow of the world can be held so completely in an obscure place where love is being born? Does God really want to be that close to our mess? We celebrate Christmas 2020 with all of this “life” dumped into our laps and living rooms. A year that words cannot contain. Tears. Laughter. A glass of bourbon. Extra visits to the AA room and Al-Anon groups. Zoom family reunions. Limited capacity weddings and funerals. Exam rooms and ICU’s too full and too loud with alarms and the labor of ventilators helping weary lungs. Long walks in the woods that seem unaffected by our chaos. Reaching out to a friend who can simply hold the tension of the day with us until night comes and we sleep again. And then, there is Monday.
The amazing grace of God that is in the middle of our chaos is an unlimited favor. We experienced Christmas Eve worship in our homes this year and woke up to a bomb in downtown Nashville on Christmas Day. The announcement of the angel: “Do not be afraid for I bring you good news of great joy for all the people!” could not arrive soon enough. And despite all that would silence our joy or damper our hope – love is born into it all anyway! We sing carols. We offer gifts. We look at one another across the room and we are thankful. Thankful because, yes, God shows right up in the middle of our situations and doesn’t leave.
Jesus works his way into our corners and, even in the deepest darkness, he feels around until he finds our hand. Reaching through the dark, the God of heaven invites us once again to open up our clenched fists and receive the offer of the Messiah. Like a tiny baby curls its hand around your little pinky finger and squeezes tight. God is right here with us.
Sometimes our Creator reaches out to hold our hand in surprising ways. Today, on this Christmas Monday, may the hand of the Messiah meet you in the joy and sorrow of life and just hold you and give you peace.
It was always a special gift. Once the tree was up and the ornaments were on, or perhaps we were getting a bit rambunctious and bored, she would pause the activity and begin her presentation. It was the “special ornament” giving time. Mom and us. We loved it! We couldn’t wait to see what she had so carefully chosen. When we were very young those ornaments were often themed, which somehow connected our experience for that year, that moment…for forever. She created something we could never forget.
I don’t always put up a tree. Occasionally I decide to let the trees I pass while driving be my “Christmas tree”. If I’m spending time in Guatemala, I let that be my “Christmas tree”. And for the past many years…being with the church community serving, worshiping and celebrating together with parties, feasts and special music…that all serves more than enough for any Christmas decoration for me. It doesn’t bother me a bit to look at my schedule and determine a more minimal approach like setting out a nativity, hanging my stocking and using some Christmas napkins to call my home “decorated”. But it’s 2020. I’m not traveling. I’m zooming from my home or office for most everything. Any COVID “risk taking” is reserved for the most important in-person moments. And I need the Christmas tree!
So it is up! The lights are shining. Every ornament is hung; each with its own memory. The tattered and fragile ones are from my childhood. I hang each one with memories of my brother and sister, mom and dad; the family celebrations – all complete with tears and meltdowns; laughter and love; the life-shaping ordinary moments. There are ornaments from special places I’ve traveled; places or memories I wanted to remember every year for the rest of my life. On this tree are ornaments my friends have given me over the years that add grace and joy to not only this moment, but all the ordinary days too.
For this Advent season of 2020, I am grateful for the many ways memories and people are woven into the fabric of life that a global pandemic cannot unravel. I’m glad the tattered ornament that looks like nothing to someone else, still causes my heart to fill up with hope that just can’t stop. I’m humbled to see that over a lifetime of years that were challenging, amazing and all uniquely blessed, there is a theme of Joy running through that I cannot miss. The tree is up! Ornaments are hung. Nativities are placed to make the true visible. We are blessed beyond measure. Advent has begun. Come Lord Jesus, come!
Prayer: God help each of us and all of us to know what to do this week to increase our sense of wonder, hope and joy. We know you are here. We trust you are guiding us and shaping us for heaven no matter how tattered or worn we may be on any given day. Thank you for the ways you are coming to us right now…making sure we know how deeply we are loved.
God of Creation, meet us before the sun rises and make the path clear. Holy God who creates day and night, hold us in places of safety no matter where our feet must travel today. God of mercy and peace, grant us trust enough to let go of all we hold so tight so we can embrace what you offer now. We love you. We trust you completely. Amen.
Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime! Has not the LORD Almighty determined that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire, and that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:12-14
God has established a world of perfect order, justice and peace. Nothing we do as humans changes the order of God’s creation and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. It is happening. It is being fulfilled. Anything we do as humans that isn’t fully surrendered to God’s way or order and justice causes us grief and suffering and pain in a multitude of ways. It is a suffering of all of creation. Many of those ways are so deeply ingrained in our lives and the world that we cannot even recognize them. It happens over generations and centuries; it is much more than we experience in a particular season. This is why God’s grace and mercy is so powerful and profound. We stand in need of great mercy. Every day.
The kingdom of God does not rest in the authority of a political entity or a person. We can recall the story of Pharaoh who was the ruler of Egypt. He had worldly authority and power over land and people. God intervened in Pharaoh’s life and in the life of the Israelites who were crying out to God for help. The power of Pharaoh was disrupted for the purposes of our Creator. God intervened in the life of Moses and got him involved…in what God was doing; not in the plans of Moses. Exodus 3:1-20 tells this story: https://bit.ly/2IhIZ4d
We can recall when Mary and Joseph were engaged to be married, God interrupted their plans with a specific call on their lives to be part of God’s coming to earth in the life of Jesus Christ. These were not the plans of Mary and Joseph. They were faithful people that God tapped for a specific time and moment in history. They accepted that call on their lives. This was not what they expected their marriage to be. The king ruling at the time, King Herod, was deeply threatened by the birth of Jesus and took all manner of measures to stop the events that were unfolding. It didn’t work. Matthew 1:18-20; 2:1-19 tells this story: https://bit.ly/3naC7F4
We can recall when Saul, a devout and educated religious leader, believed with all of his heart and mind that Jesus was not the Messiah and that he was even an enemy to the things of God. He did everything in his power and position to stop people who were sharing about Jesus. He arrested. He persecuted. He witnessed the stoning of Stephen who was killed because of his belief. And then…. the resurrected Christ met Saul on the road to Damascus and intervened in his life. Saul, who eventually took the name, Paul, planted churches in the name of Jesus Christ for the rest of his life. It was God’s plan and kingdom being fulfilled on earth…not the other way around. Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-20 tells this story: https://bit.ly/32x4WUe
These stories of our fellow human beings on a journey with God are throughout the ancient Scriptures. They are amazing stories! They teach us about ourselves…both our vulnerability and our strength. They teach us about God who created us with great love and intends for us to have lives that are a blessing in the world around us; lives that give glory and honor to God – no one else. The stories tell us of a constant unleashing and revealing of the Spirt of God upon the earth. We can be a big, giant mess – and God still reaches out and claims us.
As we humble ourselves on this journey and align our lives with God things begin to slowly and carefully fall into place. Peace comes. Probably not exactly in the way we planned. Definitely better than we imagined. A near headlong fall or sometimes a long stumble into the mercy and grace of our Creator. This is the spiritual journey. It is difficult to see as we are living through moments of particular challenge. We are shaped and pruned; we are humbled and strengthened. Our selfishness and sin and distraction are slowly chipped away as the generous love of Christ moves in and dwells within us. This is our journey; both painful and amazing!
We are experiencing a great upheaval. Many will say, “God is going to do this; God is going to do that.” Many are naming enemies and condemning people for their thoughts, actions, votes and mistakes. Some feel hope; some feel despair. Meanwhile COVID-19 visits homes and gatherings with no discretion whatsoever; reminding us that we are human beings with bodies that need care and health to thrive. Good grief! If you are feeling a little tense these days, that is a reasonable response. But there is also more.
While all of the polarization and blaming keeps us distracted and stressed, and COVID-19 has us masked up and careful, there is something else that persists among the people of God. We need only to give ourselves the gift of stopping to listen. Ancient words from a prophet still speak today:
But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-4 (THE MESSAGE)
What are we to do? We humble ourselves and ask our Creator for help. We let go of our thoughts and plans and get open to whatever God may choose to do with us and through us as a nation. We have been given a great privilege to live in this country. And…we have been given the greatest gift of all to be the children of God. We embrace the gift.
As you begin the week, just remember that the kingdom of God has already been established. The resurrected Christ sits on the throne. Maybe one of these stories from the ancient Scriptures will encourage you for whatever you are facing this week. You are not alone. The God of heaven is walking with you and will not leave you. Perhaps you will receive a glimpse of that truth today!
The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be! Zechariah 9:16-17a
Holy God, please walk with us. We ask for your help and wisdom throughout this week. We need you Lord, and we trust you completely. We yield our lives and plans to you again. Open our eyes to see your presence everywhere. Help us sparkle when we least expect it so we know it is from you. Amen.
Holy God, we have not faced an election under the circumstances that we face today. We are experiencing a global pandemic we have not known. The tension within our United States is high and we long for certainty and security that will help us navigate through these challenges well. As your people, we know that the stability and hope we long for will only come from you. We offer this prayer and ask humbly and boldly for your clear assistance.
When we are tempted to allow disagreement to turn to hate; LORD give us self-control that we may speak, and act grounded in your love.
When disappointment with one another leans too close to judgement or despair; LORD fill us with the true hope that you are Lord of all of our lives. Nothing in this world is outside of your mighty and powerful hand.
When pride causes our hearts to be at war against those who vote differently than we do; LORD let your people across our nation be filled with the peace that can only come from you, the peace that is beyond our comprehension. The peace that changes the way we walk through life with others.
When in moments we start to think that an election is our source of contentment and happiness; LORD remind us that in your presence there is fullness of joy and life everlasting and that you want our joy to be complete in you. The joy you offer is never contingent upon an election result on earth.
When we are tempted to give up, to proclaim all is lost if things don’t go the way we think they should; LORD foster patience in us and among us, the patience that trusts you are always at work in the world fulfilling your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
When we are tempted to be harsh and judgmental toward others as our stresses are high and anxiety about the future weighs upon our spirits; LORD remind us that as Jesus made his way even to the cross, he stopped to offer kindness to those in need. He was merciful where forgiveness was so deeply needed; he was gentle in the moments when shepherding or teaching was the higher path to take.
Above all, may the grace that you have so generously given to us and to this nation, be the grace that we offer one another now. Thank you for your faithfulness and steadfast love. We love you and we trust you completely. Please hold this nation and your people in your merciful and mighty hands today. We pray in the name of the resurrected Christ, Amen.
The struggle is real. Do you ever feel like you are fighting something or trying to navigate life with a constant, nagging “thing” that just won’t let you go? It may be fear or a habit or some dysfunction. It might be an illness or something in your environment. It could be anything; we all have our stuff! Even though we may have knowledge and awareness of this, that doesn’t make it go away. It just means we may be able to put in perspective. And every day is different. Yes, the struggle is real. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with us; it does mean we are human.
Paul wrote all the time about his struggles. I especially appreciate when he talks about his “thorn”. We don’t know what it was and it doesn’t matter. If you’ve ever had the struggle then you get it.
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 poweris 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. – II Corinthians 12:8-10
Some of our struggles don’t go away but they do lose strength and power as we lean more heavily on Christ to bear that burden. It is a practice and a way of living that keeps us grounded. When we experience the Spirit of God working through our lives in spite of our struggles then we see the true power of God in our lives. Recovery groups have this practice down really well.
Our surrender and just letting God help us is a daily practice. “Lord Christ, come quickly to help me. Your grace carries me. You are my strength and help. I place myself in your hands of mercy today.”
If you would like to explore a recovery group here is a link to find a group anywhere in the nation. Many of them are available on zoom now too. https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa
Your mercy is in the sunrise, Lord; you speak love over us once again. Your faithfulness is never dependent on ours; you just keep offering your grace. You set the mountains in their places and tell the leaves when it is time to fall. You bring rain and sunshine; you offer strength and beauty. The wind and the storm as well. Thank you for your love and your provision. Please consider us today. Guide our moments and conversations. Open us to what you are doing right now and give us courageous spirits to embrace what you reveal. We are sometimes slow to accept so please remind us again of who and whose we are. We welcome your presence; we are in your hands. We will trust in you.
October Sunrise
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. – James 5:7-8
I intended to be in a hurry, to squeeze in the errand between many pressing priorities. And then…I got behind a farmer moving his hay! He had just pulled out from the field; the line of cars behind him was just beginning to form. This is going to take a while.
There is something about getting behind a farmer that reorders me immediately. It changes the pace of everything, reminding me of what’s really important. It gives me a chance to think. Why do we want everything to happen faster? Who and what is rushing us?
When I lived in the country the daily drive into town and back home in the evening reset my mind and spirit. I watched the seasons change. I got behind a LOT of farmers. I said a lot of prayers and thought through the blessings of the day. Patience is a daily practice. Sometimes it takes getting behind a farmer to remember what it feels like to slow down, accept limits and trust the timing of God. And it happens on the city sidewalks too!
Patience and God’s timing are some of the most profound gifts we experience in life.
Prayer God we have become a people who think we have to “make” everything happen, and to do it faster, bigger and better every day. Please consider us in your mercy and help us to trust your timing. Thank you for increasing our patience as we wait for more of your kingdom to be revealed on earth. We are delighted to begin this Monday tucked into your hand of grace. When the resurrected Christ shows up wherever we are today, open us to perceive his presence. Thank you for always teaching us. Amen.
Practice Drive out to the country. Take in the beauty of the changing leaves. Notice the farmer’s fields. Walk the sidewalks in your town. See the beautiful faces God formed in every person. Consider how carefully and intentionally God is patient with us. Trust the timing of God today.
Life in the Deep End 