You can find all types of stuff on line, twitter, facebook
that can help you get motivated for a Monday… quotes (which I love to collect),
images and so on. Over the course of my weekend there were moments that would be
classified as motivational and yet they are so much more. They are moments that
remind me how much God is in my life and calling me to continually be an open
vessel for God to be at work in me.
Let me tell you about these moments…
Scripture… the ultimate motivation… and it is really the
Gospel from this past weekend (Matthew 6.24-34) that kicked started this
reflecting. In this Gospel we read… “Do not worry about your life”; “Are you
not more valuable than the birds of the air?”; “Strive first for the kingdom of
God”; “Do not worry about tomorrow.” These simple words remind me that God is
truly with me and when I allow doubt and fear to take over God says… do not
worry, you are so valuable, you have gifts for the kingdom, I am with you.
I sometimes think that Matthew 6 was written especially for
me. I sometimes let worry hold me captive, which is so ridiculous because I
know God is greater than my worries and fears and frustrations and concerns.
There is strength in accepting this more and more, even a sense of being
settled and peace. Even when worry seems to be a present companion I know that
it will not win me over for God is with me.
This was made a little more concrete to me this weekend. One
of my USB computer drives decided enough and was enough and it would not read
my files any more. I was frustrated and a bit angry (current assignments and
project files were on the USB), but did not become unravelled. There at my core
was strength and in the frustration and in some sense loss I was able to move
through this. I was a little off of what would be my ‘usual’ self but I was not
wrapped up in the woes of worry.
God works in beautiful ways to pull us away from worry, to
see our value and to be filled with gratitude. God showed God’s self to me
throughout the weekend in so many ways that any worry that surfaced melted away
and I was reminded again of gratitude, how important the building of the
kingdom is and God’s love.
While at Mass on Saturday night a woman with a mental
disability sat next to me. She was so sweet and helped me let go of my worry.
She patted my habit, pulled my beard, gave me the biggest hug and made sure she
was sitting right (and I mean right) next to me. I was forced not to be turned
inward but rather to be open to receive what was being poured into life (again
being called to be an open vessel).
Later that night one of my brothers handed me a retyped copy
of my paper that was on the USB file. I had printed a copy for editing and was going
to have to retype now from start. In his generosity he sat down and typed it for
me without me knowing. I was blown away, filled with gratitude and saw how the
kingdom of God is built with little acts of kindness and with big hearts. This
same brother also forced me out of myself and brought me to the bigger
community where I experienced happiness that was needed.
By the time Sunday came and I was in a full rehearsal for
the musical I am part of this weekend, my heart was opened again. I have been
surrounded by an amazing cast and crew for the last 6 months. This community of
young and old, leaders and followers, searching and determined people have
shown to me over and over again the beauty of building the kingdom. How it is done together, how to support each
other and encourage others and the gift of being valued by God for more than any
material wealth will ever give me. It is so beautiful to see how being valued
because we are Children of God can change the world. I have seen this cast
bring characters to life that know our longings and journey, that speak to our
hearts and that call us to be open and trust not only because of characters but
also because of life journeys and relationships. Gratitude again filled my heart
and opened it up some more.
Finally the gift of new life emphasized the gift of how much
God truly and wholly values us. I had the great pleasure of being present when
a young couple announced they are expecting twins and the great support and joy
that swelled to fill the room. I also in a more intimate moment was given the
gift to hold a 5 day old child. The busy and full and goodness of all that had
filled my last few hours seemed to be amplified and joy filled me even more accompanied
by a calm, a peace, a breathing in of God, of love, of freedom from worry.
If that’s not motivation for a Monday and for the Season of
Lent nothing is!
As this week unfolds I am determined to remember that my
worries are so little, that my heart is full of deep gratitude, that we all have
so much value and worth and that in building the kingdom we truly are set free
and encounter God’s vast love. This will shape my Lenten journey… worry will
not drive this journey. What will shape yours? What will drive your Lenten
steps?
you are strength and wisdom,
we place our trust in you
our worries melt away in your
goodness.
Help us to remember this.
You guide us in ways
everlasting
so we may be co-builders of
the kingdom –
we strive to share who we are
in the building
and to trust in your deep
love, mercy and grace –
guide us, today, through this
Lenten time and always.
Amen.
I humbly ask your prayers for the cast and crew of the
musical Lost Apostle this coming week as we head towards performance this weekend!
I also ask for your prayers for baby Katharine and for Amber
and Andy as they prepare to become parents for the first time. Let us also pray
for all children and young families and for a greater respect for all of life.
Blessings on your Lenten journey…
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