Persistence
Deb Crowley of Urbandale, IA, USA
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. -Isaiah 25:9
Persistence. This is the guide word I chose for 2018. I’m a pretty good procrastinator. For example, I started a crotchet project in August 2016. I finished the base but was stumped at the next directions that were different from any I had seen before. Discouraged, I set it aside. With persistence as my guide word, I opted to take up the project once again and figure it out! Completion of this project led to starting and finishing another.
Spring is persistent. As seemingly endless winter days drag our spirits down with cold weather, gray days, and unwelcomed snowstorms, we long for fresh spring air to fill our bodies, hearts, and souls! Slowly, magically, spring triumphs. A robin appears in the yard, green sprouts of crocus and daffodils poke through the barren earth, and the sun appears, teasing with warm breezes that bring freshened hope.
As we neared the end of a long forty days of Lent walking the path of Jesus during his most difficult days, we yearned for light and renewal!
The resurrection is persistent. Easter comes. Once again we rejoice in new life, new hope, new possibilities because of God’s gift of Christ.
But resurrection delights only when there has been darkness, death, or uncertainty. Or procrastination. Set aside whatever might hold you back or take you away from the light of Christ! Take up the cross or burden weighing you down and move forward. One day, one step at a time.
You are not alone; we’re in this together! Our church community is not perfect, but always seeking to find ways to support, uplift, guide, and strengthen those whom God loves so deeply. Community of Christ is persistent. Count on it!
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Moving Toward the Peaceful One
As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
