Shelton reminds us that while we all are uniquely and creatively made in God’s image, we are also all very much human and not that different from one another, at least in the way in which life’s joys and sorrows will meet us all - at one point or another. Oftentimes, there’s desire or belief that our life or circumstances are drastically different than our neighbors. We think in terms of absolutes - oh, I must be the only one.

I begin to imagine

Your home

The drive was far and long

What and who are your taskmasters? Is it the worry that consumes you not knowing what tomorrow or even the next six months will bring? Is it a pile of bills? Is it the tedious online learning that now serves as school? Is it the repetitive news of police brutality that grieves your spirit over and over and over? The vile and lewd comments spewed back and forth between political parties?

Just as you are

Bringing light

Rays

All around

Energy

There was once none

The trees look brighter today

Green leaves swishing in the wind

Pull me in

Ray of light

From within

Joy of the Water Mill

You meet the many buckets of water within

Hanging on the water wheel throughout the week,

Months even

Content

Knowing God will bring those who need to rest

To be heard, to hear themselves

Wind rustles her branches

With her mother

Brave and small

She persevered across the prairie

A few years of major life changes, loss and some struggle, I had spent a great deal of time in a sort of perpetual state of petitionary prayer. Whether driving, showering, working at the office, each breath in and out, silently carried questions.

In so many ways and in so many places, conversations on racism are happening across our country. Perhaps there are cracks in your views and understandings? Maybe you’re being called to serve in a new way? Does part of your inner world need attention and care so you might better love yourself, others, the world?

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of home, it was the winter of despair.”

These words from Charles Dickens are the introduction to his classic novel Tale of Two Cities.

Not until now have they resonated so deeply.

The idea of sitting at my kitchen table each day around the wreath to make space, to prepare the way – it fills me with warmth, with familiarity of good times past and with hope.

Could it be that each tradition makes up the whole, having something, a flare, an offering, a prayer practice, a scripture that the other doesn’t posses?

Linden-Schade finds this wholeness through exploration, through looking for beauty and for accepting that the way God relates to us and the way we relate to God is as vast as the night sky.

Dreams and other mystical experiences can sometimes be like scratch off tickets in that we may not be best served to scratch one too hard. Sometimes the Holy Spirit is speaking to us over time and through multiple occurrences and what is revealed is the leading of God in our lives.

The cool faucet water runs over your hands. Your brain kicks in, and you remember to sing happy birthday (at least in your head) to ensure a 20 second wash. The soap smells especially floral and fragrant reminding you of Summertime. The towel you use to dry your hands displays worn fabric, but it is soft on your skin.

This is gratitude.

Plants need water, specific sunlight, and the right type of soil and container. Some require specific pruning, and maybe even extra nutrients, while others are hearty. Regardless of type, plants exhibit healthy leaves when treated with care. Plants need tending.

The same is true of our spiritual life.

We are in the middle of that strange week – the last week of the year. That odd bit of time sandwiched in between Christmas and New Year’s. Many of us have celebrated with meals, worship services, presents, maybe a few “Christmases” where we gather with one side of the family and then the next. We are full, maybe a little “hungover” from the surge of delight, excitement and expectancy that leads up to the holidays and Christmas.

This Psalm is simple yet it evokes a sense of peace in my soul. It causes me to pause and to reflect on what I have received from God. Without striving, without finagling, the Holy One has given me, given us, so much. Sometimes I notice, sometimes I don't.

Butterfly, butterfly from beyond
Your wings make me laugh with delight.
Out of nowhere
Gliding past
Your invitation too bright to ignore