Strength for the journey

Leftovers…

Whenever one of my children asks, “What’s for dinner?,” if I reply, “We’re having leftovers,” the reaction is likely to be one of great disappointment. Initially, I pretty much always find myself surprised by this response, particularly since it seems like we rarely have leftovers for dinner. While the “Leftover” experience is likely typical especially when dealing with certain age groups, it resonates beyond the dinner table. Oftentimes, what is available can be seen as not being good enough.

In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 9 verses 11-17, we learn that Jesus fed the crowd (all 5,000 people) with five loaves of bread and two fish. It is also written that, “They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.” What did they do with the leftovers? And did anyone take issue with whatever was done with them? What was the reaction? What kind of effect did the fact that the baskets contained fragments rather than whole pieces have?

There is no sure fire way to know the answers to these questions for back then. However, they are worth considering in terms of every day life. We all have moments where we either do not appreciate what is in front of us or have trouble accepting and making use of it. Moments where perhaps our response is lackluster or less than gracious. Moments where we can see what we want or what we would prefer to the exclusion of seeing value in what is present or available to us.

Throughout life though, it is not so much about what is on the plate, who is serving, and who is being served as it is about the source of all that. The story of the feeding of the 5,000 is in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-14). In each passage, Jesus is at the center, providing nourishment for all.

It is important to receive the message that when Jesus is central, not only are the needs of all satisfied, but also there is always more than enough.

Leftovers

Continuing Education…

“I have been a seeker and I still am, but I stopped asking the books and the stars. I started listening to the teaching of my soul.” –Rumi

Recently I attended a show where one of the scenes had a song about parents and teachers who were not listening to the voices of the children. It was as if in trying to teach and steer their children, they had become closed off to the fact that maybe there were things that they needed to learn too. The show and that scene were striking, calling to mind this Rumi quote and making me think about teaching, learning, and the role of prayer.

After having retreated to spend the night on the mountain, praying to God (Luke 6:12), Jesus returned. It was then, and only then, after prayer, that Jesus took action. Perhaps the most appealing qualities of Jesus are that his words and actions match, and that he teaches with a motivation that comes from wisdom and nourishment received through prayer.

While his disciples and countless others seek to listen to his words, to see what he is all about, and to receive healing from him, Jesus, in his ministry, never seeks to elevate, separate, or cut himself off from others, outside of retreating to pray. In the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-26), Jesus stands on level ground as he teaches… as he ministers.

Throughout Scripture, and throughout the ages, Jesus is always in the midst of those who seek him. As we strive, struggle, and overcome, Jesus is one with us. And we are to be one with each other.

However, just as in Scripture, in order for this to occur, we must be honest, having within our hearts and minds an openness to healing, a resistance to complacency, and a desire to keep learning and to grow closer to God each and every day. Doing so allows for a life that is not only just and honorable, but also faithful.

And he came down with them
and stood on a stretch of level ground.
A great crowd of his disciples
and a large number of the people
from all Judea and Jerusalem
and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon
came to hear him
and to be healed of their diseases;
and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured.
Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him
because power came forth from him and healed them all.

And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.

Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.

But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.

But woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.

Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.

– Luke 6:17-26

Many Hearts, One Body

The wind blew steady, silencing the sound of the waves. In some spots, it blew sand across the beach and in others it simply blew. All in all, though, as we journeyed along the coastline, it consistently nudged us ahead or slowed us down depending on the direction in which we walked.

At times the constancy of the wind was so harsh it conjured thoughts of stopping and turning back. However, as we walked together, the elements seemed to meld us together, making us one. We spoke… and we listened as we reminisced, sought advice, remembered loved ones, and shared hopes and dreams. We found gratitude, encouragement, and joy in one another.

In the Spirit of love and companionship we found the wherewithal to keep walking. None of us realized just how far we had come from our starting point until we stopped and looked back in amazement. The wind was still present and very noticeable, but the thoughts of turning back or abandoning the path ahead had vanished completely. Despite all that might seek to work against us, together, we journeyed, and together, we experienced the Glory of God. Alleluia!

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15

Ocean_Clouds_Peace

Waiting to Arrive…

Looking out at the thin ice in the quiet stillness of early morning, I think, “How fragile life is.” As I sit and watch, I feel tired… stretched thin. Until this moment, it has been so busy… too busy.

I survey the area. It seems motionless. I think, “The time is now.” Everyone…everything must wait.

While time continues to tick, I linger, allowing more than just a chance to be still and listen. With each minute that passes, I feel a calm and steady strength growing from deep within. How resilient Life is.

ThinIce

My eyes are ever upon the LORD, who frees my feet from the snare. – Psalm 25:15