July 21st
Retrace
Over
time I've realized how important repetition is to truly understand something
and make it stick. The first time I made my moms potato salad I freaked out
that I couldn't do it. I've eaten this salad for years, yet had no confidence
that I could make it myself. But as I began to prep ingredients and mix things
together I began to remember each time I made it with her and the little tricks
she had. Things were familiar and when it was done it tasted just like hers.
In
my faith journey whenever I start a new devotional or a study group I get
nervous that I won't get anything from it. But my involvement in the process is
what makes the difference. I must remember that I know there is something that
can speak to me if I ready myself for it. I must remember that my faith is not
made up of one experience but multiple moments. I must remember to retrace my
steps, and move forward.
Lord may I
strive to learn from the things in my past to make me better for you. Amen
July 22nd
Retrace
When
I was younger my mom had us walk everywhere. We would walk to museums, to play
dates, to school or to the park. My favorite times when we were in the park and
mom let us choose random paths to follow. Sometimes the paths were paved,
sometimes they were pure dirt. You could tell which paths were commonly used,
which were rarely used, and which had been created over time. With each path
you tend to wonder who walks them and why. As I've gotten older it's been fun
to walk past some of these paths I explored and think about the adventures had.
I
recently stumbled across a prayer journal I had in high school and came across
a quote from Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree that I had felt was so relatable
then and still applies today:
"And after a long time the boy came back again.
"I am sorry, Boy," said the tree,
"but I have nothing left to give you-
My apples are gone."
"My teeth are too weak for apples," said
the boy.
"My branches are gone," said the tree.
"You cannot swing on them-"
"I am too old to swing on branches," said
the boy.
"My trunk is gone," said the tree.
"You cannot climb-"
"I am too tired to climb," said the boy.
"I am sorry," sighed the tree.
"I wish that I could give you something... but
I have nothing left. I am an old stump. I am sorry..."
"I don't need very much now," said the
boy, "just a quiet pleace to sit and rest. I am very tired."
"Well," said the tree, straightening
herself up as much as she could,
"well, an old stump is a good for sitting and
resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy."
I
challenge you to do something that brought you joy as a child and find
something to do as an adult that brings that same joy!
Ever present God
help me to hold fast to memories that bring happiness to my life. Amen
July 23rd
Retrace
So
I must admit that one of my favorite movies is Chocolat. I pretty much drop
everything when it comes on TV and regrettably I loaned my copy to someone
senior year of college and never got it back. One of my favorite story lines is
the narrative of why they wander. The north wind pulls them, uproots them even,
leading to a history of no real connections with others, just the knowledge of
chocolate and its ability to affect love, health and other relationships among
individuals. Although a fictional account our main actress plays her part of
knowledgeable chocolatier so well. Her knowledge is part of her, a way she
relates to her ancestors and connects to her late mother.
As
I prepare to get married I've gotten to hear stories of grandparents and great
grandparents, adventures during childhood, and amazing memories of trips from
my future-in-laws. Its been lovely to experience these memories for the first
time and get excited to make my own memories with this extended family.
Memories are a great way to share pieces of your heart with others.
May
you find the courage to share your favorite memory with a friend.
Holy one we are
grateful for the gift of remembering. Help us to share the stories that make
us, us. Amen
July 24th
Retrace
When
I have lost something the worst thing you can say to me is "well did you
look at the places you were" or something to that affect. Its frustrating
because it usually is in the one place I forgot about that the lost thing was
left...
And
in this same way when I feel low in my faith and someone tells me to read the
bible or pray about it I get frustrated beyond belief. I think its frustrating
because I know thats what I should do and its also obvious thing to do. But we
need to retrace our steps sometimes, not because we've forgotten but because we
need a reminder.
May
we have the courage to go back to the familiar and start again.
Lord help me to
retrace my steps to remind me of my beginnings and my possibilities, Amen
July 25th
Retrace
I
went to a conference yesterday. It was about exploring the rhythm of worship in
music and word-the heartbeat of God. The theme for this conference was based
off a NPR talk where they shared that music syncs our heart with those around
us, there is a shared rhythm created. During the keynote we were asked how do
we engage one another so our heartbeats sync? There was no golden answer,
rather we were challenged to be vulnerable and that this syncing requires risk.
As
we went through the rest of the day and all the workshops I was challenged to
think about times I have and have not taken risk. I was reminded of the fear of
being vulnerable. I was encouraged that I need to be willing to be open and
willing to change, acting out of faith.
How
many times have each of us let fear and uncertainties control us and our
decisions? We cannot change past actions but we can push forward when fear
starts to take hold.
May
we think of how we can continually move forward for better relationship with
self, others and God.
Holy one, three
in one, help me to sync to the heartbeats around me finding mutuality with all.
Amen
July 26th
Retrace
My favorite hymn is Hymn of Promise. I have loved this song since I was six and even plan on having it sung at my wedding in a few weeks. The song talks about the changes that happen in seasons, in animals and in our lives,. Yet within these changes there is a promise of newness and beauty emerging. For me its such a reminder that God reveals and fulfills promises in her time, not mine.
A friend of mine posted on instagram the other day that she had created a new vision board. For as long as I have known her she has had one of these. On it she posts pictures, phrases, and quotes that inspire her to reach a particular goal. In college her board consisted of a diploma, the date of our expected graduation, a house, a list of schools she was looking at for her masters and numerous other things. The goal was getting into a master program. As she fulfilled many of her goals or created numerous new ones a new vision board was created.
Like this friend we all create vision boards, they just arent always physical. We have all prayed for things, new adventures, and new relationships but God in his infinite wisdom shows us the answers to these things when its the proper time. May we each remember our visions for our lives "unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see"*.
Holy one, help me to rely on your time and to continually have new visions for life. Amen.
*Hymn of Promise, UMH #707
July 27th
Retrace
I love looking through old pictures. There's something awesome about remembering every event and moment or hearing stories about pictures you don't know about. When I was growing up my mom used to go through family pics whenever we asked. Through her stories I got to learn about my grandmother and other family members.
When I read the bible I love the numerous stories we are given. The different aspects of God we are introduced to remind me of the Holy Ones awesomeness and complexity. Yet we are also reminded that God is able to respond to all our issues and situations. I am comforted knowing I have a God who understands every fear, joy and in between emotion.
May we always aim to listen to the stories told to us.
Lord may I remember that you are able to meet all my needs. Amen
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