It’s been odd for me to realize that while I trust him with the big things like the election, the places I hold deep anxiety and chaos is the “little” things like helping four children through their distance learning weeks, or trying to train children to pick up after themselves, or that to-do list that never seems to even shorten a bit. I think it’s because I grew up with a very impersonal God. I was subtly taught he cared about the big things, but was unapproachable in the little. (I mean, just the fact that we had to dress up and sit properly in church made him feel far from my rag clothed, muddy faced girl.) Jesus cares about my meal planning? God wants to be involved and close as I do the laundry? I want that. I NEED that.
Thank you for this, Sara. So beautiful and timely as always. I know this knowledge was hard won. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Seems that many of us are experiencing the same thing today, and for the past several days and thankfully the message coming through is that no matter the outcome of tomorrow's election Jesus Christ will still be King of kings and Lord of lords and in that we can trust. How we respond on Wednesday morning will either reflect His love and compassion or reflect what is truly within each one of us. I pray we will reflect His love, as that is the only Winner. Love does not boast and love does not throw a temper tantrum. It's a great question "can I be ok when the world isn't ok?" ( I know you said 'we' but each one of us must ask ourself that question) <3
Thank you for that beautiful reminder that, regardless of anything, and I do mean anything that is going on in my life and in this world, our Lord is on His throne and His will is prevailing in all things. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus, and cause me to hear your voice; help me to be a light in the darkness.
This, of course, is the the crux of spiritual discipline: being ‘okay’ and more than that — flourishing, no matter one's life circumstances. I have always loved that passage of Paul's, from Philippians. That sort of wisdom and peace and self awareness comes from a life fully lived — not shying away from the hard bits, nor yet turning the favored portions into idols. We are called to follow Jesus, love our neighbor, be merciful, work for justice ... Every day is a fresh opportunity to turn and return in repentance and adoration; to beg mercy, give thanks, listen to the Spirit; to gird the loins and rise again.
Sara, Sara, I sit sometime in awe as I read your letters, its encouraging to know sister we are never alone in our life stories. He is with us and we are with each other. Lord , help me to be aware as I embrace and navigate my story, our stories.
It’s been odd for me to realize that while I trust him with the big things like the election, the places I hold deep anxiety and chaos is the “little” things like helping four children through their distance learning weeks, or trying to train children to pick up after themselves, or that to-do list that never seems to even shorten a bit. I think it’s because I grew up with a very impersonal God. I was subtly taught he cared about the big things, but was unapproachable in the little. (I mean, just the fact that we had to dress up and sit properly in church made him feel far from my rag clothed, muddy faced girl.) Jesus cares about my meal planning? God wants to be involved and close as I do the laundry? I want that. I NEED that.
Thank you for this, Sara. So beautiful and timely as always. I know this knowledge was hard won. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Seems that many of us are experiencing the same thing today, and for the past several days and thankfully the message coming through is that no matter the outcome of tomorrow's election Jesus Christ will still be King of kings and Lord of lords and in that we can trust. How we respond on Wednesday morning will either reflect His love and compassion or reflect what is truly within each one of us. I pray we will reflect His love, as that is the only Winner. Love does not boast and love does not throw a temper tantrum. It's a great question "can I be ok when the world isn't ok?" ( I know you said 'we' but each one of us must ask ourself that question) <3
Thank you for that beautiful reminder that, regardless of anything, and I do mean anything that is going on in my life and in this world, our Lord is on His throne and His will is prevailing in all things. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus, and cause me to hear your voice; help me to be a light in the darkness.
"I could cry under my sunglasses at the grocery store and experience the ministry that only God can bring to my uncertainty."
What a beautiful way to say and to point out that He attends to our needs and so often to needs that we don't even realize how to express them.
This, of course, is the the crux of spiritual discipline: being ‘okay’ and more than that — flourishing, no matter one's life circumstances. I have always loved that passage of Paul's, from Philippians. That sort of wisdom and peace and self awareness comes from a life fully lived — not shying away from the hard bits, nor yet turning the favored portions into idols. We are called to follow Jesus, love our neighbor, be merciful, work for justice ... Every day is a fresh opportunity to turn and return in repentance and adoration; to beg mercy, give thanks, listen to the Spirit; to gird the loins and rise again.
Sara, Sara, I sit sometime in awe as I read your letters, its encouraging to know sister we are never alone in our life stories. He is with us and we are with each other. Lord , help me to be aware as I embrace and navigate my story, our stories.