Today’s Reflection
My meditation practice didn’t come so naturally in the beginning. I dealt with speed bumps, roadblocks, detours, and endless construction. I offered myself grace on the days I felt skeptical or skipped my practice. I was gentle with myself during the weeks in which I simply felt frustrated and distracted. Still, I continued down the road, puttering along like a rusted ’92 Geo Prizm. I reminded myself that this was my practice and that it was valuable, authentic, and important no matter how many sleek, new Cadillacs passed me along the way.
—J. Dana Trent, One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic’s Guide to Christian Meditation (Upper Room Books, 2019)
Today’s Question
When you encounter a spiritual roadblock, what helps you trust that you are on a good path? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.
—Galatians 6:9 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Spirit of God, comfort and renew us with each breath we take. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
Still not feeling great. Stomach still queasy but could be all the meds they sent me home with. Though I was taking them in the hospital and had no stomach upset. Thank you all for your prayers and kind words. Yes, Robert, I do have “a lot on my plate” and that is why I got so sick. H, Megan and I sat down and discussed moving forward, possibly together. H is taking a day to decide, but this is wearing on me physically.
Prayers for everyone’s concerns. Still catching up.
Prayers for Julie, Megan, and H. A resolution that encompasses well-being mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially that is equitable for all concerned is my hope and prayer.
I’m not sure how know when I’m on a good path spiritually. identifying spiritual obstacles is also difficult. Thankful I am somehow empowered to help worship services continue, thankful that there are others helping as well. The message for the 30th is what I am working on next. Thank You, Lord.
For myself – I keep showing up. I know there are mornings where my mind is unable to focus, I can not stay centered during prayer. I confess to God and try not to beat myself up over it, like the author said. I show up later in the day and the next morning and start afresh.
Kind pleasant, this four day weekend. The gas company stopped by today to check on my meter – everything seems good. Took my car to get an oil change and ran a few errands to stores I don’t take the time to go to on regular weeks. This evening my tennis team is getting together to celebrate our big win. They wanted to do a restaurant and I told them I wouldn’t be comfortable with that. I told them to go ahead without me. But, the captain offered up her house – so we are meeting there – she is providing BBQ and we are each supposed to bring something. I am picking up my friend, a part time player on the team – and we will go together. We will be there with our masks on and have agreed to leave when the excessive drinking kicks in.
It is nice to have this expanse of time, with no basketball games to take in, and just be at home. I even have a book I am reading – what a pleasure.
Dad and I are going to run a few errands together. He is getting antsy on these long cold days. I spoke with my sister and she said she has told him to come down to Florida earlier than he has planned – but he won’t budge. I would be outta here in a hot second, as my students would say.
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