It's very easy to complain. It's easy to imagine that our sufferings, our struggles, are unlike any that others have experienced.
It's harder to see, especially in the tough times, that God's blessings are still around, that God remains faithful.
Look now to see what blessings God has in store for you today, especially if you are finding that hard to do.
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
John 12:1-8
Each day, we have the chance to pay attention, to be fully present. This dinner was a very special event for the people together there. Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, had the distinct honor of being raised from the dead. I’m sure he was happy to be alive, to have dinner with the Lord. Mary marked the sacred moment with a gift of expensive perfumed oil for Jesus’ feet.
Judas was counting pennies with what seemed like a valid point; but we are reminded of God’s all-seeing knowledge. Judas was really worried about what he might steal. Jesus was concerned for his friends who would soon have to let him go. In any situation, there is always more going on than meets the eye. Leaving God’s work to God, we can be authentic and attentive without the whole story. Today, can you make those you are with feel blessed by being present?
Denise Nickerson-Caudéran
When I give my attention, time, and gifts to others, I am blessed with connection. Let me connect to you and to my family and friends, following your example. God, make me fully present. Amen.
God's blessings are raining down.
Walk with your face lifted up;
Lift your hands also to receive
The gift of God's presence,
The embrace of the One who is near.