It's that time of the semester when we are praying that we can hang on for a few more days - just get through the final papers and exams and then have a breather. It's hard to find time for sleep, exercise, or perhaps just hanging out with friends. It's that end of the semester push.
When we find ourselves overwhelmed by all there is to do, it's easy for us to get trapped inside ourselves. We are the center of it all. Everything else gets pushed aside so that we can get it all done. Yet, as Christians we are called to be focused on the world, on others. One sure way to get through these coming days without too much pain is to take the focus off all our own worries and fears and stress, and put some of that focus on others.
There is a prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi that will be a good thing to pray each day in the coming couple weeks.
Lord, make me an instrument of they peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Thoughts concerning the Virginia Tech community
Each one of us has been horrified, saddened, angry, or shocked by the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech on Monday. Some of us at this particular campus community have even lost close friends and loved ones. It is an event which touches us all, in many different ways. It is a time when we know that we need God's presence, but we may not even be sure how we can connect with God or with other Christians.
It's also a time we want to do something - anything - that can help. And we know there isn't much we can do. Yet, we can offer prayers. We can listen and support those who have lost a loved one. We can reach out to those who are lonely or different or outcast. We can seek to share God's love in all the many large and small ways Jesus taught us.
Sharing God's love, reaching out to others in love and connecting with them - it's at the very heart of a life of faith. When we love people, and then they are no longer with us, it's one of the most difficult and painful times we will ever know. It's something where the pain never fully goes away - it just deadends and grows smaller so that we can remember the good and joyful times we have shared in the past. Here is a quote from a Christian writer about what it's like to lose one we love.
"Rubble is the ground on which our deepest friendships are built. If you haven’t already, you will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and you never completely get over the loss of a deeply beloved person. But this is also good news. The person lives forever, in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through, and you learn to dance with the banged-up heart. You dance to the absurdities of life; you dance to the minuet of old friendships." --Anne Lamott
Let us pray that all those who are grieving now will one day again learn to dance to that minuet.
It's also a time we want to do something - anything - that can help. And we know there isn't much we can do. Yet, we can offer prayers. We can listen and support those who have lost a loved one. We can reach out to those who are lonely or different or outcast. We can seek to share God's love in all the many large and small ways Jesus taught us.
Sharing God's love, reaching out to others in love and connecting with them - it's at the very heart of a life of faith. When we love people, and then they are no longer with us, it's one of the most difficult and painful times we will ever know. It's something where the pain never fully goes away - it just deadends and grows smaller so that we can remember the good and joyful times we have shared in the past. Here is a quote from a Christian writer about what it's like to lose one we love.
"Rubble is the ground on which our deepest friendships are built. If you haven’t already, you will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and you never completely get over the loss of a deeply beloved person. But this is also good news. The person lives forever, in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through, and you learn to dance with the banged-up heart. You dance to the absurdities of life; you dance to the minuet of old friendships." --Anne Lamott
Let us pray that all those who are grieving now will one day again learn to dance to that minuet.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Living in the aftermath of Easter
This past Sunday was Easter - the most important day of the entire Christian year. It's a day when we celebrate that Christ has risen from the dead; when we celebrate that death does not have the final victory. We spend time with our families and loved ones, eat great food, and smell the wonderful flowers around us. It is a day of great joy.
Yet, inspite of this day of great joy, we know that our lives continue. We are still without loved ones who have gone before us. People still suffer from illness, both large and small. Relationships continue to be broken. Life is not perfect, and oftentimes it's not even halfway easy or peaceful.
The Easter promise and joy does not mean that we won't deal with all the harsh realities of life. It doesn't mean that bad things won't happen to us or to those whom we love. What Easter does mean is that Jesus Christ understood what it means to suffer and die. Jesus knows what we endure as humans, and his Spirit will help us through whatever we encounter. We have that assurance that God is always with us, especially during the painful times.
Henri Nouwen wrote these words in Show Me the Way, "Easter season is a time of hope. There still is fear, there still is a painful awareness of sinfulness, but there also is light breaking through. Something new is happening, something that goes beyond the changing moods of our life. We can be joyful or sad, optimistic or pessimistic, tranquil or angry, but the solid stream of God's presence moves deeper than the small waves of our minds and hearts. Easter brings the awareness that God is present even when his presence is not directly noticed. Easter brings the good news that, although things seem to get worse in the world, the Evil One has already been overcome. Easter allows us to affirm that although God seems very distant and although we remain preoccupied with many little things, our Lord walks with us on the road and keeps explaining the Scriptures to us. Thus there are many rays of hope casting their light on our way through life."
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Holy Week
This is a very important week in the life of the church - Holy Week. The week began with Palm Sunday, will go through Jesus' last few days, his crucifixion on Good Friday, and then the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
I have always loved Palm Sunday. As a child, I can remember walking into the church, waving a palm branch and singing "Tell me the stories of Jesus." After having my own children, it has been so wonderful to see them walking down the church aisle and waving their palm branches. Palm Sunday is such a great day of celebration. Jesus is finally recognized as king, and the people of Jerusalem celebrate this. It's not really a grand parade - it's just a few score of people with some hastily clipped palm branches, a few cloaks on the roadway, and Jesus and a donkey. Jesus was never about glory and power - and this great day acknowledged that. Yet, when one remembers Palm Sunday - one can't help but feel that Jesus has finally arrived.
However, within a few days, everything had changed. Jesus had been arrested, tried for treason, and was awaiting his death. Most of his closest followers had deserted him, and only his mother, a couple women, and John were with him when he died. One Palm Sunday it seemed like the world was wide open, and within a few days it felt like the end of the world.
How often do we experience that? When have we felt ourselves on a mountaintop only to plunge into the darkest, deepest valley within a few days? Life is like that - we can go from great joy to great despair very quickly. It can seem like all is lost. It can feel like God is nowhere to be found.
As we go through those Good Fridays of our lives (and we all will, and more than once), it's important to keep the faith. It's vital that we remember that Easter Sunday is just around the corner - especially when it feels like the end of the world or that all is lost. During this Holy Week, go with Jesus through his Good Friday. Remember the times when God has seen you through the difficult places. Pray for those who are enduring those Good Fridays right now. And pray that we can all remember God's presence during those times.
From the darkest night, we have the assurance that Easter Sunday will always come.
I have always loved Palm Sunday. As a child, I can remember walking into the church, waving a palm branch and singing "Tell me the stories of Jesus." After having my own children, it has been so wonderful to see them walking down the church aisle and waving their palm branches. Palm Sunday is such a great day of celebration. Jesus is finally recognized as king, and the people of Jerusalem celebrate this. It's not really a grand parade - it's just a few score of people with some hastily clipped palm branches, a few cloaks on the roadway, and Jesus and a donkey. Jesus was never about glory and power - and this great day acknowledged that. Yet, when one remembers Palm Sunday - one can't help but feel that Jesus has finally arrived.
However, within a few days, everything had changed. Jesus had been arrested, tried for treason, and was awaiting his death. Most of his closest followers had deserted him, and only his mother, a couple women, and John were with him when he died. One Palm Sunday it seemed like the world was wide open, and within a few days it felt like the end of the world.
How often do we experience that? When have we felt ourselves on a mountaintop only to plunge into the darkest, deepest valley within a few days? Life is like that - we can go from great joy to great despair very quickly. It can seem like all is lost. It can feel like God is nowhere to be found.
As we go through those Good Fridays of our lives (and we all will, and more than once), it's important to keep the faith. It's vital that we remember that Easter Sunday is just around the corner - especially when it feels like the end of the world or that all is lost. During this Holy Week, go with Jesus through his Good Friday. Remember the times when God has seen you through the difficult places. Pray for those who are enduring those Good Fridays right now. And pray that we can all remember God's presence during those times.
From the darkest night, we have the assurance that Easter Sunday will always come.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Gift of Saying No
There is a difficulty that many bright, active young people (just like each of you) have. It's hard to say no. There are so many things interesting things to do, so many things we want to do, and so many things we think we should do. At times we find ourselves saying yes far more than we should. We can end up overwhelmed and then not fully living up to the responsibilities that we have accepted.
Now common sense tells us that it's better to do a few things very well rather than a number of things poorly. And as a Christian, what do we think? The book of Ecclesiastes states in 4:6, "Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." We also remember the story of Martha (Luke 10) who was so distracted with all the things she thought needed to be done, that she was missing out on spending time with Jesus.
It is much better for us to say no to certain things than to say yes when we will only do those things poorly, no matter our good intentions. It's important for us really to communicate with God about decisions we make. God will let us know our priorities and how we should spend our time. It is much more Christ-like to say no at times, than always to be a yes-person.
Next time you are asked to do something that will just not work in your life or priorities or for which you do not have time, just say no. Don't feel guilty. No one can do everything asked of them. God insituted the Sabbath - a time of rest when work was not done. It's a good and healthy and spiritual thing not always to be busy, but to select what will be done and at what time and to do it well.
I know it's not always easy to make a decision about saying no. Talk with your friends, your minister, mentors or other trusted people. And talk with God. When we are overwhelmed, they can help us see our own busy lives with more clarity.
Now common sense tells us that it's better to do a few things very well rather than a number of things poorly. And as a Christian, what do we think? The book of Ecclesiastes states in 4:6, "Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." We also remember the story of Martha (Luke 10) who was so distracted with all the things she thought needed to be done, that she was missing out on spending time with Jesus.
It is much better for us to say no to certain things than to say yes when we will only do those things poorly, no matter our good intentions. It's important for us really to communicate with God about decisions we make. God will let us know our priorities and how we should spend our time. It is much more Christ-like to say no at times, than always to be a yes-person.
Next time you are asked to do something that will just not work in your life or priorities or for which you do not have time, just say no. Don't feel guilty. No one can do everything asked of them. God insituted the Sabbath - a time of rest when work was not done. It's a good and healthy and spiritual thing not always to be busy, but to select what will be done and at what time and to do it well.
I know it's not always easy to make a decision about saying no. Talk with your friends, your minister, mentors or other trusted people. And talk with God. When we are overwhelmed, they can help us see our own busy lives with more clarity.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Getting Homesick
I'm sure in the past few days you have heard about the 12 year old Boy Scout from Greensboro who was lost in the WNC mountains from last Saturday until Tuesday. It has been a heart-wrenching story and thankfully he has been found and seems to be in pretty good shape. Today's newspaper stated that he wandered away from the campsite because he was homesick and hoping to find a way home.
Certainly each one of us knows what it feels like to be homesick. It may have been that first day of kindergarten or college, at summer camp, or when we've moved to a new town. I remember when my family moved here from Asheville a little over 1 1/2 years ago. I was really homesick, even though my "home," my family, was with me.
There is also a different kind of homesickness. Near 1700 years ago, St. Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you." As Christians, we know that God is our Home. Until we can find that rest in our Home, our hearts are restless and we are homesick. The homesickness is never really filled during this lifetime, but as we strive to journey along the Christian path, we do have those moments and days and even months when we are at home and at peace. There are so many times in our lives where we are searching, where we are looking for meaning. There are so many times that things don't feel quite right. We may try to fill that sick part of our heart with other things - relationships, alcohol, sex, shopping, staying busy, tv or other things that numb the pain temporarily. Yet, we know that God - and our relationship with God - is the only thing that really takes care of that pain, that provides us with a home for which we need not be sick.
When you're feeling homesick next, don't try to numb it with the things of this world. Spend time with God and with Christian sisters and brothers. Our homesickness will never fully go away during this lifetime - it will come and go in waves - but the only way to deal with it is to seek out God, our true Home.
Certainly each one of us knows what it feels like to be homesick. It may have been that first day of kindergarten or college, at summer camp, or when we've moved to a new town. I remember when my family moved here from Asheville a little over 1 1/2 years ago. I was really homesick, even though my "home," my family, was with me.
There is also a different kind of homesickness. Near 1700 years ago, St. Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you." As Christians, we know that God is our Home. Until we can find that rest in our Home, our hearts are restless and we are homesick. The homesickness is never really filled during this lifetime, but as we strive to journey along the Christian path, we do have those moments and days and even months when we are at home and at peace. There are so many times in our lives where we are searching, where we are looking for meaning. There are so many times that things don't feel quite right. We may try to fill that sick part of our heart with other things - relationships, alcohol, sex, shopping, staying busy, tv or other things that numb the pain temporarily. Yet, we know that God - and our relationship with God - is the only thing that really takes care of that pain, that provides us with a home for which we need not be sick.
When you're feeling homesick next, don't try to numb it with the things of this world. Spend time with God and with Christian sisters and brothers. Our homesickness will never fully go away during this lifetime - it will come and go in waves - but the only way to deal with it is to seek out God, our true Home.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Confession is good for the soul
Do you remember some time in your childhood when you did something you should not have done? And do you remember not wanting to be caught? Most parents at some point or another have scolded a child, "You better tell me the truth - it will be a lot better for you if you go ahead and confess it." All of us have sinned, done things we shouldn't do, and then hoped and even prayed we wouldn't be caught. It seems life would be so much easier if we could just push it under the rug and forget about it. But - the floor is still dirty under the rug.
I remember clearly shooting my brother in the behind with a bee-bee gun. I was 5 and he was 3, and to be honest - I really didn't think it was going to hurt him like it did. Yet, I knew immediately I shouldn't have done it. And I tried to act like I didn't do it. The guilt stayed with me, however, and I ended up confessing years later. Mom was understandably very angry - even more so because I had lied about it all those years (5 to be exact). I realized I should have confessed much earlier.
As we prepare for Easter during this season of Lent, one of the things we can do is confess. It's important that we think about where we have sinned (either actively or passively), to ask God for forgiveness (and another if we have harmed another), and to commit to head in a different direction. In Matthew 4:17, Jesus began his ministry by saying we are to repent. To repent means to turn in the opposite direction. When we have sinned, we should confess and ask God to help us head in the opposite way.
Confession is not an easy thing. It means we have to deal with circumstances we would rather avoid - but it is truly the way that leads us along the path of Jesus and towards the celebration of Easter.
I remember clearly shooting my brother in the behind with a bee-bee gun. I was 5 and he was 3, and to be honest - I really didn't think it was going to hurt him like it did. Yet, I knew immediately I shouldn't have done it. And I tried to act like I didn't do it. The guilt stayed with me, however, and I ended up confessing years later. Mom was understandably very angry - even more so because I had lied about it all those years (5 to be exact). I realized I should have confessed much earlier.
As we prepare for Easter during this season of Lent, one of the things we can do is confess. It's important that we think about where we have sinned (either actively or passively), to ask God for forgiveness (and another if we have harmed another), and to commit to head in a different direction. In Matthew 4:17, Jesus began his ministry by saying we are to repent. To repent means to turn in the opposite direction. When we have sinned, we should confess and ask God to help us head in the opposite way.
Confession is not an easy thing. It means we have to deal with circumstances we would rather avoid - but it is truly the way that leads us along the path of Jesus and towards the celebration of Easter.
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Spring of Living Water
Jeremiah 2:13 states, "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
During the time of the people of Israel before Jesus, water was very important. It was a basic element of life, especially in that part of the world. Cisterns would hold water, especially during those long times when there was little water to be found. Having a good cistern was essential to basic survival. The image of God as a spring of living water gave more hope for a desert people than we can imagine. All we have to do for clean, safe water is turn on a faucet. It's hard for us to imagine the great trouble one would have gone to in those days (or still goes to in many parts of the world) just for the basic survival need of water.
During the time of Lent, we think about what is basic to life. We try to give up some of those extraneous things like chocolate or caffeine or alcohol. And what is more basic to our life than water? And is not God, the spring of living water, the most basic part of our lives? Yet, do we truly live like God is the most basic part of our life? Is God at the very center? Is God the basic foundation for each day of our lives?
If we are not living as if God is the basic water in our lives, what are we trying to substitute? What broken cistern are we using? During this time of Lent, it is a great opportunity really to look into our hearts. It is good for us to think about our basic foundation and reliance in life. We might try to substitute people, parties, shopping, food, the internet or media - any of these things for the living spring of God. Think about when things go very poorly in your life. Think about your first reaction. Is it to turn to God or someone who can help you know God's presence in your life? Or do we try to find some broken cistern that will only let us down? With the broken cistern, we won't have the water we need in our lives. Our spring will run dry.
During these 40 days, as you give up something unnecessary, take some time to think about what is the most basic element of your life. Pray about how God can truly be the basic spring of living water.
During the time of the people of Israel before Jesus, water was very important. It was a basic element of life, especially in that part of the world. Cisterns would hold water, especially during those long times when there was little water to be found. Having a good cistern was essential to basic survival. The image of God as a spring of living water gave more hope for a desert people than we can imagine. All we have to do for clean, safe water is turn on a faucet. It's hard for us to imagine the great trouble one would have gone to in those days (or still goes to in many parts of the world) just for the basic survival need of water.
During the time of Lent, we think about what is basic to life. We try to give up some of those extraneous things like chocolate or caffeine or alcohol. And what is more basic to our life than water? And is not God, the spring of living water, the most basic part of our lives? Yet, do we truly live like God is the most basic part of our life? Is God at the very center? Is God the basic foundation for each day of our lives?
If we are not living as if God is the basic water in our lives, what are we trying to substitute? What broken cistern are we using? During this time of Lent, it is a great opportunity really to look into our hearts. It is good for us to think about our basic foundation and reliance in life. We might try to substitute people, parties, shopping, food, the internet or media - any of these things for the living spring of God. Think about when things go very poorly in your life. Think about your first reaction. Is it to turn to God or someone who can help you know God's presence in your life? Or do we try to find some broken cistern that will only let us down? With the broken cistern, we won't have the water we need in our lives. Our spring will run dry.
During these 40 days, as you give up something unnecessary, take some time to think about what is the most basic element of your life. Pray about how God can truly be the basic spring of living water.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday. This is the day that begins the Christian season of Lent. Lent is the 40 days (minus Sundays) before Easter. Early in the history of the Christian church, Lent became an important part of the Easter celebration. It reminded people of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness - fasting, seeking the will of God, and being tempted by Satan. Easter is the most holy of Christian days, and without the observance of Lent, it can be hard to appreciate the true joy and celebration of Easter.
So how are we to spend the season of Lent? Traditionally, Christians have sacrificed something during these days. This is done to identify with those who are suffering in the world. It is done to identify with Jesus' own suffering. We might give up coffee, red meat, chocolate, sweets, tv, vending machines, gossip or negative thoughts or any other number of items. It's not easy giving up these things - but this form of fast can help us gain a better perspective in life and strengthen our spiritual journey.
Christians also have another option - they can choose to take on something else in life. One can spend time each day in Bible study or prayer (if that's been difficult to do in the past), make a point of helping a person each day, or take on a volunteer project.
However you choose to observe Lent, I encourage you to be intentional. Think of something you like, but don't really need, that you can give up. Or think of something you need to do that will enrich your life as a Christian - and take that on. These 40 days are a wonderful time to travel in the footsteps of Jesus, grow as a Christian, and prepare for the most wonderful holy day of the Church year.
So how are we to spend the season of Lent? Traditionally, Christians have sacrificed something during these days. This is done to identify with those who are suffering in the world. It is done to identify with Jesus' own suffering. We might give up coffee, red meat, chocolate, sweets, tv, vending machines, gossip or negative thoughts or any other number of items. It's not easy giving up these things - but this form of fast can help us gain a better perspective in life and strengthen our spiritual journey.
Christians also have another option - they can choose to take on something else in life. One can spend time each day in Bible study or prayer (if that's been difficult to do in the past), make a point of helping a person each day, or take on a volunteer project.
However you choose to observe Lent, I encourage you to be intentional. Think of something you like, but don't really need, that you can give up. Or think of something you need to do that will enrich your life as a Christian - and take that on. These 40 days are a wonderful time to travel in the footsteps of Jesus, grow as a Christian, and prepare for the most wonderful holy day of the Church year.
Student Forum
The National UM Student Forum is every year over Memorial Day weekend. Here's a video that has more info!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
It's good to receive
Each year, the WL student leadership team meets weekly. As part of our weekly meeting, we have a devotion. This year, we have been reading through The Cup of Our Life by Joyce Rupp. The author takes the image of a cup and uses it to reflect on our spiritual journey. At this point in our reading, she has been writing about the image of an empty cup. She states that when we have an empty cup - when we are empty - then we are ready to receive. We are ready to receive God's love and grace and the gifts of others.
One of the hallmarks of our society is that we are an individualistic culture. We take pride in being able to do things on our own. We like to say that we can pull ourselves up by own our bootstraps without any help from any one else. It's difficult for us to ask for help. Yet, the scripture tells us it is better to give than to receive. It doesn't say that we should never receive or that receiving is bad. In fact, there are times that we need to be receivers.
During Jesus' last days before his crucifixion, his closest friends did not understand what was before him. It certainly must have been a difficult time for Jesus. He kept giving and giving to those around him, while needing support from his loved ones. Then one evening a woman came with a very expensive jar of ointment (about one year's salary worth) and annointed his head with it. The disciples were puzzled and even angry that she wasted so much money. (Matthew 26:6-13) Yet, Jesus defended her. He needed to receive her blessing and love.
We are now entering that stressful time of midterms. There is more work to be done that we would like and too many demands on our time. And that is just the time we need to be good receivers. If someone offers help, take them up on it. And don't be afraid to ask for help - whether it's with a class or sorting out a problem or relationship in your life. God created us to support each other and to be in relationship and community together. It's good for us to be able to give to others and to show God's love - but it is also a very good thing for us to be able to receive that love and support and let others give to us.
One of the hallmarks of our society is that we are an individualistic culture. We take pride in being able to do things on our own. We like to say that we can pull ourselves up by own our bootstraps without any help from any one else. It's difficult for us to ask for help. Yet, the scripture tells us it is better to give than to receive. It doesn't say that we should never receive or that receiving is bad. In fact, there are times that we need to be receivers.
During Jesus' last days before his crucifixion, his closest friends did not understand what was before him. It certainly must have been a difficult time for Jesus. He kept giving and giving to those around him, while needing support from his loved ones. Then one evening a woman came with a very expensive jar of ointment (about one year's salary worth) and annointed his head with it. The disciples were puzzled and even angry that she wasted so much money. (Matthew 26:6-13) Yet, Jesus defended her. He needed to receive her blessing and love.
We are now entering that stressful time of midterms. There is more work to be done that we would like and too many demands on our time. And that is just the time we need to be good receivers. If someone offers help, take them up on it. And don't be afraid to ask for help - whether it's with a class or sorting out a problem or relationship in your life. God created us to support each other and to be in relationship and community together. It's good for us to be able to give to others and to show God's love - but it is also a very good thing for us to be able to receive that love and support and let others give to us.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Love your enemy
Jesus said we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us(Matt 5:43). For those of us who have been part of the church for much of our lives, this is something we have often heard. It always sounds quite nice, but putting flesh onto the bones is something that takes us much deeper.
On Monday and Tuesday, I was in Charlotte for a meeting with the other UM campus ministers in our annual conference. The new Dean of Duke Chapel, Dr. Sam Wells, met with us and discussed some important theological issues concerning working on college campuses. He mentioned a theologian, John Howard Yoder, during these talks. Yoder was a Mennonite Christian who wrote a great deal about what it means to love our enemies. You might know that Mennonites are one of the historic peace churches. I read a lot from Yoder during my time in seminary and have since pulled out his book, The Politics of Jesus.
What does it mean for us to love our enemies? First, who is an enemy? We might first think of terrorists in today's world. Hopefully, we do pray for them. And who are our "enemies" on a more personal level? Enemy is such a strong word. There might be people we hate or who hate us. Or we might have people who we simply dislike, disregard or disrespect in our lives. Who are your enemies? An enemy is someone with whom there is a division - there is a large gulf between ourselves and them. The other person may have put it there - we may have put it there - or it may have been a combination. (It does normally take two to tango.) Please take some time during the coming days to think about who your enemies are. Think about who the people are in your life from whom you are divided. Ask God to help you identify them.
And then pray for them. Pray that this gulf might be bridged. Ask God to help you find ways to reach out to them. Pray that with time and practice you might learn to love that person as another child of God.
As we are able to do this on an individual basis, it will help us love and find ways to reach out to enemies on a larger scale (as a people, and as a nation) as well. Love your enemies.
On Monday and Tuesday, I was in Charlotte for a meeting with the other UM campus ministers in our annual conference. The new Dean of Duke Chapel, Dr. Sam Wells, met with us and discussed some important theological issues concerning working on college campuses. He mentioned a theologian, John Howard Yoder, during these talks. Yoder was a Mennonite Christian who wrote a great deal about what it means to love our enemies. You might know that Mennonites are one of the historic peace churches. I read a lot from Yoder during my time in seminary and have since pulled out his book, The Politics of Jesus.
What does it mean for us to love our enemies? First, who is an enemy? We might first think of terrorists in today's world. Hopefully, we do pray for them. And who are our "enemies" on a more personal level? Enemy is such a strong word. There might be people we hate or who hate us. Or we might have people who we simply dislike, disregard or disrespect in our lives. Who are your enemies? An enemy is someone with whom there is a division - there is a large gulf between ourselves and them. The other person may have put it there - we may have put it there - or it may have been a combination. (It does normally take two to tango.) Please take some time during the coming days to think about who your enemies are. Think about who the people are in your life from whom you are divided. Ask God to help you identify them.
And then pray for them. Pray that this gulf might be bridged. Ask God to help you find ways to reach out to them. Pray that with time and practice you might learn to love that person as another child of God.
As we are able to do this on an individual basis, it will help us love and find ways to reach out to enemies on a larger scale (as a people, and as a nation) as well. Love your enemies.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Off to a good start
How do you start each and every day? Do you crawl out of bed and head to the shower? Do you throw some clothes on and run to class? Do you look for the nearest source of caffeine? Do you check your email, grab your cell phone, or plug in the Ipod?
I'm not a morning person. My clock radio goes off and I hear the news, and then I drag myself out of bed and go through the motions of getting ready for the day (and getting my kids ready as well). Lots of people fall into this same category. If someone is cranky, then we might ask if they got up on the wrong side of the bed. And that led me to thinking, what is the best way to start our day?
I know that most college students are not morning people either. There is actual physiological evidence that shows bodies of that age range do not function as well as a little later in the morning. It is important how we begin our days - especially on those days we dread.
We know as Christians that we are called to be a thankful people. In all things, we are to give thanks. Not only should we give thanks, we should also ask for blessings for others - especially those with whom we do not get along, who might even be our enemy. If we begin our days with a thankful heart, and by asking for blessings for other - that will set the tone for the rest of the day. It might be even a little easier to roll out of the bed and face the day.
For the next week, I encourage you to spend a few minutes when you first awake and think about thanks and blessings. Find 5 things for which you are thankful, and thank God for them. Then find 5 people who need a blessing (whether you personally know them or not), and ask God to bless them. This won't take very long each morning, but it will help ensure that we get up on the right side of the bed and that our first footsteps are in the path Jesus set before us.
I'm not a morning person. My clock radio goes off and I hear the news, and then I drag myself out of bed and go through the motions of getting ready for the day (and getting my kids ready as well). Lots of people fall into this same category. If someone is cranky, then we might ask if they got up on the wrong side of the bed. And that led me to thinking, what is the best way to start our day?
I know that most college students are not morning people either. There is actual physiological evidence that shows bodies of that age range do not function as well as a little later in the morning. It is important how we begin our days - especially on those days we dread.
We know as Christians that we are called to be a thankful people. In all things, we are to give thanks. Not only should we give thanks, we should also ask for blessings for others - especially those with whom we do not get along, who might even be our enemy. If we begin our days with a thankful heart, and by asking for blessings for other - that will set the tone for the rest of the day. It might be even a little easier to roll out of the bed and face the day.
For the next week, I encourage you to spend a few minutes when you first awake and think about thanks and blessings. Find 5 things for which you are thankful, and thank God for them. Then find 5 people who need a blessing (whether you personally know them or not), and ask God to bless them. This won't take very long each morning, but it will help ensure that we get up on the right side of the bed and that our first footsteps are in the path Jesus set before us.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Loving the Stranger
This morning I attended the District UM ministers' meeting. We always worship at these meetings with a service and communion (also called eucharist). One of our local pastors always preaches. Our preacher this morning was a woman I have known for many years - she is a very dynamic black woman who moved here the same time I did for her new church. Shirley is a great leader, and a person of great vision. She grew up in South Carolina, on a farm with 10 brothers and sisters. She witnessed poverty and injustice from an early age. Justice and compassion have been at the heart of who she is as a person and as a minister.
Shirley spent many years of her adult life living in New York City. Strangers are everywhere in new lands - whether it is NYC or Greensboro. She always knew that no matter where God called her, she was called to love the stranger. She was called to fight for justice for the stranger and to offer compassion.
When we make those life changes, whether it's a physical move or a new phase in life, it's easy to feel alone at times. Loneliness and isolation can surround us, even in the midst of a crowd. Yet, Jesus has given a specific command to us - love the stranger, love the enemy. For in Christ, there really is no stranger - we are all children of God and sisters and brothers.
I encourage you in this coming week to take time to get to know someone who is a "stranger." Pray for that person. If they are in need of justice or compassion, find some way to be active in that regard. It is when we befriend the stranger, that we are no longer a stranger ourselves.
Shirley spent many years of her adult life living in New York City. Strangers are everywhere in new lands - whether it is NYC or Greensboro. She always knew that no matter where God called her, she was called to love the stranger. She was called to fight for justice for the stranger and to offer compassion.
When we make those life changes, whether it's a physical move or a new phase in life, it's easy to feel alone at times. Loneliness and isolation can surround us, even in the midst of a crowd. Yet, Jesus has given a specific command to us - love the stranger, love the enemy. For in Christ, there really is no stranger - we are all children of God and sisters and brothers.
I encourage you in this coming week to take time to get to know someone who is a "stranger." Pray for that person. If they are in need of justice or compassion, find some way to be active in that regard. It is when we befriend the stranger, that we are no longer a stranger ourselves.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Finally - Winter!
Some of you have heard my bemoaning of the unseasonably warm temperatures we have experienced this winter thus far. I am quite hopeful that tomorrow will end my 2 year snow drought. We didn't get a lot of snow in Asheville (where I lived most my life), but it was enough to go sledding several times a year and have some good snow ball fights. It was enough that we were ready for the crocus blooms and warmer temperatures when they came.
I have found that when we have all four seasons - when we truly delve into the best and worst of the weather elements - I am more ready for the next season. I can appreciate spring flowers, warmer temperatures, and more time spent outdoors after a lot of cold wind, snow showers and many layers of clothing.
It's the same way with the Christian walk. Before we can experience the true joy of Easter, we journey the path of suffering and crucifixion. The scripture tells us that whatever happens to us can be turned to good for those who love God. We all go through really difficult times in our lives, but we have the assurance that God will walk with us and even carry us through those times. No matter what happens - God can turn it to good. And after we have been through the difficult, cold and cloudy times, we can better appreciate the springtime that always comes.
I have found that when we have all four seasons - when we truly delve into the best and worst of the weather elements - I am more ready for the next season. I can appreciate spring flowers, warmer temperatures, and more time spent outdoors after a lot of cold wind, snow showers and many layers of clothing.
It's the same way with the Christian walk. Before we can experience the true joy of Easter, we journey the path of suffering and crucifixion. The scripture tells us that whatever happens to us can be turned to good for those who love God. We all go through really difficult times in our lives, but we have the assurance that God will walk with us and even carry us through those times. No matter what happens - God can turn it to good. And after we have been through the difficult, cold and cloudy times, we can better appreciate the springtime that always comes.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
January 10, 2007 Devotion
I've been having a hard time getting my brain back in working gear this week. I suspect that many of you are dealing with the same thing - it seems like we should still be on holiday, whereas we have quickly found ourselves back in the thick of things with school, work, and social lives.
Taking a holiday for the busy-ness of our lives is important, but there is also a real value in getting back into a good routine. That's true not only for the main business of our lives - school, job, etc. - but also true for our Christian walk. It's good to get back into a good routine.
And so what is the good routine for our Christian life? Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster write in The Godbearing Life that there is a cycle of the Christian life. This cycle is -
Communion (being with other Christians)
Compassion (reaching out to others)
Teaching & Nurture (learning about God)
Witness (sharing God's love)
Dehabituation (taking retreats from the everyday)
Worship
Too often we think the Christian walk is linear - that we put one foot in front of the other and then end up at a final destination. In truth, the Way is not linear, but cyclical. We are part of a circle of life (picture The Lion King!) I encourage you this week to become part of that circle - print out or write down these 6 cycles of our walk. Each day, think of one way you can let these areas impact your life. Each thing can only take a few minutes, or you might take longer, depending upon your schedule. Getting back into a good routine will help each one of us grow and enjoy the journey so much more!
Taking a holiday for the busy-ness of our lives is important, but there is also a real value in getting back into a good routine. That's true not only for the main business of our lives - school, job, etc. - but also true for our Christian walk. It's good to get back into a good routine.
And so what is the good routine for our Christian life? Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster write in The Godbearing Life that there is a cycle of the Christian life. This cycle is -
Communion (being with other Christians)
Compassion (reaching out to others)
Teaching & Nurture (learning about God)
Witness (sharing God's love)
Dehabituation (taking retreats from the everyday)
Worship
Too often we think the Christian walk is linear - that we put one foot in front of the other and then end up at a final destination. In truth, the Way is not linear, but cyclical. We are part of a circle of life (picture The Lion King!) I encourage you this week to become part of that circle - print out or write down these 6 cycles of our walk. Each day, think of one way you can let these areas impact your life. Each thing can only take a few minutes, or you might take longer, depending upon your schedule. Getting back into a good routine will help each one of us grow and enjoy the journey so much more!
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