Today’s Reflection
The art of compassion is all about seeing with our souls. When we see with our souls, we become more aware of God’s daily presence. We discover that we do not have to seek the cosmic dance. It comes to us through the simple gifts God offers us: the morning silence before words and works begin. The songs of birds greeting the dawn. The child who tugs on our sleeve and invites us, “Come see.” The full orange moon shining through the trees.
—Marilyn Brown Oden, “Seeing with Our Souls, in Compassion: Thoughts on Cultivating a Good Heart, compiled by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2008)
Today’s Question
When we practice “seeing with our souls,” how might our experience of compassion change?
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Today’s Scripture
O LORD, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
—Psalm 104:24 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
God: With my eyes, I choose to see with compassion. With my hands, I choose to give and touch with compassion. With my feet, I choose to go where I can deliver compassion. With my heart, I choose to love with compassion. (Pause for a minute of silence, and imagine how you can show compassion today.) Amen.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
I believe I am a “seer from my soul”…or at least moving along the continuum to being more like this. I feel like I find God more in situations when I am seeing from this place. I also experience more holy moments. Hopefully these make me more compassionate.
Dad and I are going to try to get a round of golf in this afternoon – but it is supposed to be very warm and muggy and likely storm at some point. A later start that usual, as there are a few women’s leagues this morning at the course we are playing.
A friend helped me set up a new tv. No longer is it as simple as plugging it in and turning it on. Not sure why it is necessary to have it registered through an app on my phone and connected to that app.
Seeing wirh our souls, recognizing God’s ever presence, our compassion is more like God’s. We offer love, grace and mercy as God does, freely, without reservation. With those actions God’s kingdom is experienced on earth. Thank You, Lord.
Strawberry hulling and biscuit baking today in preparation for Strawberry Shortcake sales tomorrow at CCUMC from 2-6 pm.
Another lovely day here in the Mount Washington Valley. Thank You, Lord.
When my soul is my window to the world I am more likely to see each person as a child of God. Worthy of love, kindness and compassion. I am slow to irritation and more likely to offer aid and/or prayers. I become a new creation. More patient and a reflection of the Lord’s love.
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