Monday, January 30, 2012
You
"you"
Uncle, what am I?
His look became deep
while his thoughts settled
Well,
My dear niece
Can your mind's eye
See colors, all the colors there are
And future, all the future there will be
And past, all the past there has been
And ideas
And emotion
And memories
And interests
And passions?
These all are whirling and twirling
Meeting each other and casting far out,
Always someday returning
Some are orbiting tighter
Where they all meet for the moment
Is you
Once upon a time
God
Had an idea
That's what
you
are
-by james aalgaard
Word for Today
29 God gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
30Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
31but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Thank you Joseph Huber. You searched through your colors, and out of your canvass you pulled out a "Weary Traveler." It took me a few moments, but I noticed your cowboy's bootless left foot!
How often do we feel bootless? How often do we decide not to wear a hat because we think it will weigh our heads down too much? It's not your hat that weighs you down, it's your weariness. My weariness has its own name, its own color and shape. Yours is slightly different. We have the same Lord, and different weariness.
There is good news for you. If you are one who waits for the Lord, your weariness is converted over to power. Strength is yours! Beautiful, supple, gentle, agile - strength! Even kiddos get tired, flopping down on the couch after a long day of hyperactivity. But you dear waiter, you're just getting your second wind. Take courage! Lift your eyes to your horizon. Your Lord is renewing your strength.
What weariness is God lifting from you? Mine is indecision.
From the prayers of the people for the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany of Jesus
When your church grows weary and weak, give courage to our leaders, and strengthen your people for service, that everyone who searches for you might share in the blessings of the gospel. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Word for Today
Happy New Year to all.
From our hymnal, Baptized and Set Free (ELW 453)
"We are people created, chosen by God. Then we're washed, ever gently, in mercy and love. Sin has power no more. Jesus opened the door to a fountain bringing healing, and wholeness and more."
This Sunday we will be pausing at a river called Jordan. Jesus will take the plunge. You might smartly wonder "what in the world for?" The baptism we know is a baptism of forgiveness of sin and a return to God. What compelled Jesus to go to that river?
"Jesus opened the door to a fountain." What a great image. One can say that living in the Spirit of Christ, in the New Creation, is like drinking from a fire hose (thanks for the image Jim Mosier). Drink up. There will always be plenty.
Ed Stresino painted this interpretation of the Baptism of Christ. What I notice are circular patterns, and the idea that Jesus' baptism has something to do with the whole earth. You will also see a Trinity in the waters, The Seeing Eye of God, the Spirit, and the Savior bearing the cross. Other interpretations are up to you.
Where is this fountain directed toward for you? For me it is the spirit of adventure as I begin 2012. I think we're in for a wild and wonderful water ride. Try saying that ten times fast!
"Joy is a net of love that can catch souls" (Mother Teresa)
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