Gratitude

 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Gratitude

 “Gratitude begins in our hearts and then dovetails into behavior. It almost always makes you willing to be of service, which is where the joy resides. It means that you are willing to stop being such a jerk. When you are aware of all that has been given to you, in your lifetime and the past few days, it is hard not to be humbled, and pleased to give back.” 
― Anne Lamott, Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers

Thanksgiving and reading Anne Lamotte's book, got me thinking about Gratitude. Several years ago, my daughter started a year-long journey of documenting on Instagram something she was thankful for each day.  She then had them printed in a book.  The idea came from Ann Vosskamp's book One Thousand Gifts.  Amazon says:

 In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted...a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved--by God. 

I shared this idea with my circle and two of us have taken that journey of finding something to be thankful for each day:  the song of birds, the color of a leaf, lunch with a friend, a penny found on a parking lot.  We used the hashtag #stmarkthankful and #stmarkthankfuljounal to chronicle our journey.

Recently a friend shared on Facebook an article explaining the huge benefit in seeking gratitude.  Click here for the entire article written by a neuro-scientist.  This article says that just seeking things to be grateful for and sharing with friends releases the dopamine that makes us feel better.

As we are approaching winter when many of us have a tendency to get depressed, look for something to be grateful for, share it with others. If you are on Instagram use one of our hashtags. But, if you don't do Instagram, express your gratitude to your spouse, a friend.  Write a note, make a phone call, send an e-mail or keep a written journal.  It's one of those times when science and faith agree being grateful will make you happier.

God in Three Persons: Blessed Trinity

 

God has appeared to me throughout the years, but each time has been like looking through a kalaidoscope—-I see different “faces” of God depending on my stage. As a child, God and the Holy Spirit were too abstract, but Jesus with those warm brown eyes was someone I could look to for guidance, support and love. The hymn “Jesus Loves Me” got me through the times when i felt unloved. Later,I was guided by “what would Jesus do?” when making choices. 

As an adult I was guided more by God, the creator. Hymns like “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “This is my Father’s World”were important to me and my understanding of God who created the beauty of Europe’s cathedrals and the red wood forest.  My God was awe-some, all-powerful.  But HE also was often disappointed in my decisions. It was a time when I was important to myself and only when confronted by a beautiful sunset or the majesty of mountains, was I forced to slow down and reflect on the grandeur of God rather than on myself.

At both stages, I “ignored” the Holy Spirit—-something I associated with “holy roller” churches and speaking in tongues.  Although I had my “conscience” to  guide me as a child, it was often associated with Jimminey Cricket on Mickey Mouse Club who always said, “Let your conscience be your guide.” 

I’ve often felt that my writing is influenced and guided by another entitiy which I always thought of as my muse.  Sometimes my “muse” was relentless, over-powering my dreams and thoughts. Sometime i have to sit quietly in my “thin places” or my patio and let this spirit come to me—-make time for it. prioritize it. not be distracted by “things to do”, but just having quiet time.  It’s so hard for my hyperactive brain and body to “Be still”. As I was older my “muse” helped me with my writing. But was my “Conscience”  or my “muse” really the Holy Spirit living within me?

I’m not sure if it’s my stage or my age but I’ve moved on to understanding the Holy Spirit and the role SHE plays in my faith.  “Ruach”, the sound of wind, is the Hebrew word for the Spirit. Ruach is the breath within me, whirling and swirling.

The hymn "Spirit of Gentleness" touches my soul. In it we are reminded to listen to the gentleness of the Holy Spirit weaving it’s way in our daily lives, guiding our actions like a gentle breeze.But, if like Jonah we refuse to listen, then the Spirit is no longer gentle but relentless, forcing us to listen and pay attention.

When I was younger, I saw Jesus and God as something apart from myself whereas the holy spirit is within me, a part of me since birth. The Holy Spirit is not just a “muse” or a “conscience” but the part of me I often tap into for strength and understanding. SHE dances with my soul. I try to live to make  Ruach happy and content: I love feeling her breath circling me in an embrace.  

February 1946

I started out thinking I could write a poem about my feelings, but someone already beat me to it.  Thank you John Carl Ylvisaker for this hymn: “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry”

I was there to hear your borning cry,

I'll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized,

to see your life unfold.

I was there when you were but a child,

with a faith to suit you well;

In a blaze of light you wandered off

to find where demons dwell."

"When you heard the wonder of the Word

I was there to cheer you on;

You were raised to praise the living Lord,

to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time

and you join your hearts as one,

I'll be there to make your verses rhyme

from dusk 'till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life,

not too old, no longer young,

I'll be there to guide you through the night,

complete what I've begun.

When the evening gently closes in,

and you shut your weary eyes,

I'll be there as I have always been

with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your borning cry,

I'll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized,

to see your life unfold.

That’s the beauty of the Trinity: the three parts guide us at every stage of our lives:  from knowing that Jesus loves us to exalting the power of God to being guided by the Holy Spirit.Three in one: always there ready to meet us where we are.

To Every thing there is a Season

 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

To every thing a season . . .

Ecclesiastes 3 King James Version (KJV)

3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 As I was looking at the leaves on my trees turning, I became a little depressed realizing that with the turning of leaves comes winter--- and how I dreaded another winter like 2014.  I looked at my dogwood which I had always admired with its red leaves, wanting to appreciate the beauty of the present. I saw something I'd never seen before.  There beside the leaves turning red were the red berries to nourish my beloved birds, but what's that white knob?  A bud!

In His infinite wisdom God opened my eyes to what was before me all along:  the hope for Spring, the resurrection of life was already there.  On the dogwood tree was the beauty of Autumn, nourishment for winter and promise of Spring.  Thank you God!

On being Eighty

 

I’m not afraid of being 80

I can be the feisty old lady,

or, demure and unsure.

Let people smile and roll their eyes.

“Sorry I parked so close.”

“Could you help me reach those pies”

“Can you pull these carts apart”

“what was that?  

No, I didn’t fart”

“I’m sorry you spoke too fast.. . .”

“I’m a little slow

Let me move over and let you pass.”

“Can you read this number

It’s a little small,

I can’t read it at all”

“Could I have soup in a cup?

And extra napkins

Tremors make it hard to eat”

‘I’m sorry what did you say

I hate to ask you to please repeat.’

I sometimes wear a scarf.

trying to stay warm and 

trying to look smart:

Hiding my wrinkly neck and

Catching the crumbs 

From cake or buns.

I can be feisty and appear clueless.

Although my body is fading,

Don’t underestimate my thinking.

My body may be at times “helpless”

But my brain keeps on ticking.

There seems to be an app for everything

But, not for old age.

It’s not just another stage in life

It’s the last page in the journal

of my life.

Each day, I celebrate the miracle of 80!

All Are Welcome

 

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

All are Welcome

Gospel Reading Luke 8:1-15

1Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 2as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

This Lectionary reading for today is interesting because the women are mentioned, three by name:  Mary (called Magdalene), Joanna, Susanna "and many others."  This is the second time in a month of readings that Luke mentions the women with Jesus.  We also heard about them on Easter morning---many of them were the same women.  Click here for that passage.

At first glance, I wryly thought---"well, things haven't changed much." The women in the Easter passage were taking spices to the tomb to prepare the body of Christ. They were making sure everything was tidy, clean and smelled good to honor Jesus in death.  And, in today's passage they are "providing" --- we assume they are cooking and feeding the disciples---possibly washing and mending. But, wait. . . .

First, I noticed the disciples are "the twelve" and not named in this passage, but several women are.  This indicates the focus in this passage is intended to be on the women who are "providing out of their resources"  We don't know if they are providing the funding for the ministry or the food---perhaps both.  After all, Joanna is the wife of Herod's steward which could be a hint as to the kind of resources they are providing. She would have been a very wealthy woman and perhaps the other women were too.   Is this Luke's way of thanking them or is he acknowledging the importance of their role in the ministry of Christ?

As scholars have mentioned, it would be very unusual for women in this era to be traveling with an itinerant band unless they were wealthy and powerful.  They were certainly not "camp followers"---Jesus has made his position on adultery very clear and they would not have been named.

No, these were women who were respected by Jesus and Luke.  The other interesting part of this passage is they are "women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities."  These were women who had been flawed by mental or physical illness and had found peace and healing in Jesus' presence and teachings.  Regardless of their past, they were welcome.

This speaks volumes on who is welcome to join Jesus on his journey:  everyone is welcome---the flawed, the cured, men, women, the poor and the wealthy---if they are willing to serve. 

Dear God, Open our eyes to the ways we ALL can serve you. We may be flawed, but we are still  welcome within the church if we are willing to serve.  We may have sinned, but we are still welcome within the church if we are willing to serve. Help us to follow the paths that Mary, Joanna, and Susanna have shown us.  

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Jaclyn Morgan

Worst Road Trip Ever

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Worst Road Trip EVER

"When will we get there?"  "I'm hungry." "I'm thirsty." "We need to stop." "I'm going to throw up."  "He is bothering me."  "She won't share." "I am bored."  "I asked to stop and you didn't.  My brother asks and you stop!"

In Sunday School class last week, we were reminded that Moses wandering in the desert was like the worst road trip ever. The children of Israel were not much different than most children on a road trip.  The beach (like Canaan) is a wonderful destination but the journey there can be boring,  annoying, stressful, and even perilous.

Chapter 6 of The Story, "Wandering", began with the Israelites following the cloud and pillar which God was using to guide them through the Wilderness--- the ultimate GPS, God's Positioning System.  God thought the people would trust Him, but instead the "Children of Israel" complained about the hardships. "If only we had meat to eat. .. .we never see anything but manna."  " We were better off in Egypt." Even Moses says to God, " .. ..the burden is too heavy for me.  If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me."  God delivered quail. . . .and a plague to those who had no faith.

Next came the sibling squabbles with Aaron and Miriam wondering why God favored Moses over them.. Like many exasperated parents, God paused the trip, took the siblings aside, admonished them, and punished Miriam until Moses begged God to forgive her.

Then, God commanded Moses to send representatives from each ancestral tribe to Canaan to see that it was the land of bounty which God had promised.  But these representatives came back reporting that the people were big---they felt like grasshoppers.  They could never take this land from these people.  Only Caleb trusted that God will give them strength and would provide!

I'm reminded of a road trip in my childhood.  After riding in a hot station wagon with siblings on roads that were not interstates, the end of the day had us hunting for a hotel room.  Dad would stop and Mom would assess it from the front seat, "Too shabby looking."  "Too expensive".  Finally she saw one that looked reasonable, Dad went in and there were no rooms available.  So, we were back on the road again looking for the perfect hotel room for 5 of us within our price range.  Sadly, the perfect one was probably 30 miles behind us when Dad said it was too soon to stop.  Turn back or settle for something less than perfect?

Like an exasperated parent on a road trip, God declared, "None of you, but Caleb  and Joshua, will see the Promised Land.  Turn back and head to the Red Sea. " And, like any family road trip, this was followed by complaints, and tears, and threats and rebellion and fears.  Nothing is worse than realizing, you have to add miles to your trip due to a detour, making a wrong turn, or forgetting to get off the Pennsylvania Turnpike exit with a screaming child---add to that God's anger and 20 more years was not just 20 miles.

After many years (and aggravations),  God finally instructed Moses to go  Mount Nebo where he was able to see the Promised Land.  God said to him " I will give it to your descendants.  I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross over into it."  Moses died in Moab.

So, after the world's worst road trip with crabby children, detours, hunger, thirst, arguments, Moses was able to see where his children would live.  But, that wouldn't be "a day on the beach at a luxurious resort."  Chapter 7 is entitled, "The Battle Begins" and I can only imagine what faces Joshua who has been chosen to lead.

Photo by Tabea Damm on Unsplash
Jaclyn Morgan

A Room for Rest

Almost 40 years ago, St. Mark hosted a Teen Center for the middle school age kids in the area.  We had over 100 kids, playing basketball, dancing to a DJ, and being social. With that many kids 12 and 13 years old being “social” there was weekly heart break from being shunned, feeling anxious about their looks, and of course arguments. As chaperones, we witnessed a scene almost weekly: a young lady running out of Gleason Hall with friends following in her wake. Sometimes she was sad, other times angry or humiliated. She ran to the restroom where her friends would try to console her, explain themselves, provide comfort, let her vent. When the tears stopped, the comb and fresh make up came out to prepare her to face "the public".

 If this restroom could talk, it would tell you it was a place of sanctuary, providing shelter from the emotional storms of adolescence. It was also a place of reconciliation and a place to freshen up before leaving to face the chaos of the Teen Center. This wasn't just one girl, but one each week. There was so much emotion and comfort in this small "Ladies Rest Room".

 “Oh, God, may St. Mark always be a place of sanctuary for those whose life has been turned upside down in turmoil. May it be a place where we can find answers, comfort and the courage to face others who may have even caused the turmoil."

Written for Discover St. Mark blog as part of a 40 days of Devotions.

In the Stars

Star-crossed lovers?

in the wrong place, and at the wrong time:

United States during the Viet Nam War

West Germany during the Cold War

the passion was there but not the desire

to realign the stars,

to realign our comfort zones.

We might have been too weak to commandeer the stars, 

but we are not too old to bask in the glimmer of what was and 

what might have been.

What is it called if someone is still dear, 

but better not making a life together?

 But, stlll I wonder. . ..

Were we right or the stars?

Where’s the poetry in star-blest love?

Blissful happiness when parents’ prayers have been answered.

Meeting many times,

Waiting for the right time.

I had oats to sow, 

I had to heal my heart, and

I had to be open to a new relationship

We had to be open to the possibility. . . . 

of seeing a soul mate 

in each other.