Today’s Reflection
A breast cancer survivor told me her hair started falling out shortly after beginning chemotherapy. She had her head shaved after that and scattered the clippings in her yard. Later she found birds gathering bits to weave in their nests. With that image she passed along tender courage of how all things work together for good in God’s mysterious ways. I am reminded that beauty is found in every age and stage.
—Jan Woodard, Texting Through Cancer: Ordinary Moments of Community, Love, and Healing (Upper Room Books, 2021)
Today’s Question
When have you noticed the mysterious ways God is working all things together for good? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
—Romans 8:28 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
God of All,
In you I trust.
All will be well.
All will be well.
All will be well. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Meet some of The Upper Room’s International Publishing Partners at a free online event on Thursday, May 4, 8:30 a.m. (CT). You’ll meet Tarmo Lilleoja from Estonia, Manasi Mohanty (Odia edition) from India, Juan Gattinoni from Argentina, and Makgoshi Sindane from South Africa and learn more about their ministries. The good work they are doing for the Gospel will inspire you and strengthen your faith, and your support and prayers will be an encouragement to their ministry. Register here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
God (unknowingly to me) prepared me to walk with mom during her struggle. And then, to be with dad in his grief following her passing. Had these events occurred 5 years earlier – I would have been a mess. But He wove circumstances and people into my life, who poured into my life in various ways, and I was able to have a firm foundation during these times. He is now showing me how those experiences are going to be used to form what my retirement will look like. I have a focus and feel very certain this is the direction He is guiding me in.
Back to school today. I have two classes this afternoon – will see what the mood is with my students. So far, I don’t pick up on anything unusual in the halls. Our principal warned us that there may be a walk out at some point.
Tonight is our last small group study until the Fall. We are meeting a one of lady’s house – she loves to host and will cook dinner for us again. Hospitality is definitely her gift.
I moved back in with my parents in 1990 after having an accident. I didn’t really want to, but it afforded the wonderful opportunity to spend time as an adult with my parents before my daddy got sick. I cherish that time. I also was able to be there with my sister to help mama with daddy before he died, and to be there for mama after daddy’s passing. I also got to spend a lot of time with my sister and we became very close.
Thank you Lou, for your kind words. I’m thankful for my friends here.
Add Comment