Ordinary Time

Pause

There beneath the willow tree
I learned a lot about the way of things
I learned that everything (the wind, the leaves) has breath inside …

I know
I know this
There is beauty in the way of things

from “There Beneath” by The Oh Hellos (2015)

Listen

Yes, you will go out with celebration, and you will be brought back in peace. Even the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you; all the trees of the field will clap their hands. In place of the thorn the cypress will grow; in place of the nettle the myrtle will grow. This will attest to the Lord’s stature, an enduring reminder that won’t be removed.

Isaiah 55:12-13

Think

A life that is spent growing in God is a life that is cradled safely in peace and joy. This is not to say that hard and difficult times will not come. They certainly will come. Doubt, sadness, fear, and anxiety are things all followers of God deal with some time.

It is knowing that you are rooted in God’s love that will keep your chin up during difficult times. It is the spiritual practices you develop that will keep you sustained in the Holy Spirit, even if you don’t feel like making the effort. It is the Holy Scripture that will keep your heart and mind reminded of the promises of God, even if you can’t believe them sometimes. It is continuing in prayer, even when you don’t have the words.

God’s acceptance is something you will never been cut off from. No matter how hard your day, no matter how deep your doubt, God will always pull you back into knowing love, joy, and peace.

Sarah Briggs Amoth

Pray

God, thank you for loving and accepting me, no matter what. Your grace will sustain me through the good and bad times. Let me rest in your peace and walk in your joy. Amen.

Go

I pray light will
Leak from our pockets
We’ll be drenched, overcome
At night the fireflies
Streamers at our sides
Silent flaming arcs of hope

All things will change
We wait for the rain
And the promise remains

from “Jacaranda Tree” by Josh Garrels (2008)