Ordinary Time 
Pause
It’s an important part of your identity, going to the root of who you are. It speaks to where you come from and, to a large degree, where you are going.
So whose child are you?
Since God is our source, we are children of God, made to be loved and to thrive. In these next few moments, consider who has birthed you into the world and who is nurturing you along the way.
Listen
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:22–23
Think
There is a popular spiritual song you may have heard called, “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now.” The lyrics include these words: “I started out traveling for the Lord many years ago, I’ve had a lot of heartaches, had a lot of troubles and woes. Oh, when I would stumble, then I would humble down.
“I’d say, Thank the Lord, I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.”
These words describe the faith journey of a child of God, much like Paul writes about in today’s Scripture. As we are seeking to follow Jesus, we aren’t always going to get it right. We are going to make mistakes and even fall on our faces sometimes. But the good news is that it’s okay. Wherever you find yourself today, you are okay. So much of our journey with God is about the process; not as much the destination. It can be more difficult not always having the answers, but it is God’s plan for our becoming. We learn day by day as we go.
Elizabeth Evans Hagan
Pray
Dear Jesus, when I look back on my life, I know I’ve done some things right and some things totally wrong. But I thank you for my journey and how you’ve helped me learn more about who you really are along the way. Amen.
Go
Strong, gentle children, God made you beautiful, gave you the wisdom and power you need; speak in the stillness all you are longing for; live out your calling to love and to lead.
From “Strong, Gentle Children” by Dan Damon
