Today’s Reflection
EACH TIME we step out of our comfort zones and into the messy and sacred world of caring about others, we risk stepping in the confusion of humanity. We may find ourselves asking questions about God and about this world filled with both beauty and affliction. When we share our journeys and questions with one another, our capacities to love and serve with humility, faithfulness, gratitude, and grace grow.
—Rebecca Dwight Bruff, Loving the World with God: Fourth Day Living (Upper Room Books, 2014)
Today’s Question
How can you step out into the messy and sacred world of caring about others today? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.”
—Hebrews 10: 24-25 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it:
a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room .
Something More
Looking for creative ways to share gratitude this Thanksgiving? Click here to discover ideas for showing gratitude this Thanksgiving.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
I was asked to train teachers overseas for this mission trip. So stepping out of my comfort zone and hopefully by sharing my knowledge and experience, it will benefit others.
Blessings!
Mary – may your travels be safe and your sharings benefit others and glorify God. What a wonderful opportunity for you to share your gifts.
I think about how messy it has been for others who have cared for me this past year +. Some much more willingly and eagerly than others. I suppose it is a gift for those who so naturally gravitate to those who are struggling. I hope coming out of this that I will be one of those people as well.
I, somewhat reluctantly, got a flu shot on Monday. My rheumatologist highly recommended it. Well – haven’t felt myself since then. Feel much worse after being in bed all night and my congestion just settles in my throat. Don’t feel bad enough to have lost my appetite, but surely not up to snuff. And certainly haven’t been exerting myself much – was home all day yesterday doing school work and napping. Hoping I will turn the corner soon.
My god daughter’s basketball game got moved up to this morning – which works well as my friend is coming over to watch the Ohio State – Xichigan game today. Big game today and big game tomorrow – Browns – Steelers rematch. Hope the boys can play nice tomorrow…no wielding of helmets to unprotected heads.
I’m an advocate for many causes and have been for a while now. It is a way to help others.
Mary that’s a wonderful opportunity, prayers all goes well, God will be praised by the effort.
Jill, hope you recover from the side effects of the flu shot, being with kids many days a week it seems a good idea.
Lots of sports there today. Hope your god daughter’s team does well. My connection to both of those schools is remote, but it usually is a great game.
A project, sports, railroad track, and the roof work going on here today.
Advent begins tomorrow!
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