Dear Faith Family,
I don't know about you, but I am feeling that malicious strain of "busyness." Maybe it is the shifting of the seasons, from the semi-relaxed time of Summer to the overcrowding of Fall. Or, it could be taking on new responsibilities without relinquishing any old ones. Whatever its source, the feeling of a full plate affects not only my calendar but also my ambitions.
I don't know about you, but our time in the Book of Acts and conversations and prayers through The Great DeChurching, stirred in me a desire to "Proclaim Christ in the Everyday Until He Cannot Be Ignored," as our faith family is fond of saying. Our origin stories cast a compelling vision for life with Jesus, especially considering the stories from our time and place where such a vision is so desperately needed. Stories that rise in me a longing to join Jesus in what He is doing for the life of the world.
But, if I am honest, accompanying my renewed aspirations is the weight of "busyness." How can I do more for Jesus and others when I don't feel like there is capacity in my calendar or body for more? What Jesus said to His first disciples seems to be true for this disciple, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:41).
I don't know about you, but that is where I find myself: stirred up by the Spirit through Scripture and stories, and weighed down by the duties of the day and anxieties of tomorrow. So, what am I (maybe we?) to do?
Well, as we shared on Sunday, maybe in being caught up in the Spirit and Jesus' Story, we are not asked to offer more, but rather to present what we have:
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever...
I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and pleasing to God,
which is your true and proper worship,
not conforming to this world
but being transformed
by the renewal of your mind."
(Romans 11:36 - 12:2)
As we did together on Sunday, I encourage us to do together today and tomorrow and in the days to come.
Take a moment on your knees or with your head bowed and hands held up toward heaven, praying: This Life and This Day are Yours...
Pause to let all your aspirations, weights, ambitions, and anxieties be offered to Jesus. Say them or see them rise to Him...
Then pray again, This Life and This Day are Yours, adding May Both Be So.
May you and I discover that our living sacrifice leads us to what we desire: the ability to "discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect" (Rom. 12:2).
Love you, faith family! God bless.