Good Friday - All Ready?

So many people are oblivious to the meaning of Good Friday and their Christians. The attitude among them seems to resonate an annoyance that conveys "Okay, so it's Good Friday. And?" Attitudes such as that make me wonder whether or not I have done what I needed during Lent? Did my sacrifice show Christ? Did my almsgiving stretch me in such a way that someone was truly helped? And let's not forget fasting. Did I really partner my fasting with prayer so that I could be made over? Doing these things helps not only ourselves but also those with whom we interact. As Christians, there should be nothing better than to contemplate the LOVE of Jesus as continues to suffer for us. Holy Thursday offered us the opportunity to pray in a new way, before suffering. Today, Good Friday, offers us the courage to pray while we suffer.

The Waste of Pity

Tuesday morning I was feeling really sorry for myself. I was sick with the flu and had just read a comment from my professor on an assignment. I spent the day AND night having a great pity party. I even invited other people to the party. I even had the nerve to drag God into the fray. It wasn't until I was talking to one if my "guests" that I realized I hadn't given my all to the assignment. Once I realized that I was energized with a burst of confidence.
Pity was a waste of my God Grace. Pity sent me reeling away from what God had set out for me. Pity was a waste.

It Doesn't Make Any Sense

Just when you have a full plate and you begin to eat, you begin to feel just a little sick. Has that ever happened to you? How about when your calendar is full and there are numerous things you are trying to do and you body begins to breakdown? What's that about Jesus? Here I thought I was doin what God has called me to do and I find my energy drained, my joints aching, and an inability to concentrate. I could really just take a nap. It just doesn't make any sense. Have I crammed my calendar with timone to dos and not God dos? This journey to Christ's Peace is just plain confusing sometimes. Yet, there is one clarity: God is leading and I'm only too willing to follow. As of now it doesn't make any sense, but God is working for good. I just press onward, forward.

The Day Before Ash Wednesday

I've been feeling reflective all day. Today hasn't been Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday for me. It has been the day before Ash Wednesday. I mean today I have felt the weight of the Lenten Season. It was important that I change the cloth and artifacts on my home alter before I could accomplish any work. I was struck by today's readings in such a way that I was convicted even more to rely on God. I am convinced that God can use me for good and I strive to stay open to that use. As I move into slumber position I am both excited and apprehensive about what God will ask of me tomorrow.
May I become what I expect others to be. May my reflections open me to God in a way that my actions and words inspire you to say "YES" to God's invitation to wholeness.

Bending Over the Shoulder of God

I can't stand it when I'm working on something and someone comes and bends over my shoulder, directing me to do things their way. There they stand giving all sorts of advice and instruction as though my ideas are no good or irrelevant to the project. This I can imagine is how God feels sometimes as God continues to craft greatness. I know I'm guilty of bending over the shoulder of God way too many times. There have been many things that I've asked God to take care of in my life. I've laid the issue at Her feet. I've given it all to Him. And wouldn't you know it, there I am bending over God's shoulder "directing" God on how things need to be done. How unfaithful is that?

In my quest for peace I have discovered that solace is found only when I stop bending over the shoulder of God. Truly I must let go of my desire and need to shape things my way. For it is my way that has gotten me in the mess I often find myself.

Are you bending over the shoulder of God? Well,... just stop it then.