The Ups and Downs of This Earthly Life
Julie Conway-Sword of Gainesville, FL, USA
“…and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.” -Doctrine and Covenants 86:3d
Experiencing falls seems to be a part of our whole lives. Even at six years of age I might have been wearing a new Easter dress above two bandaged knees due to brick sidewalk roller-skating tumbles. Now, in my eighties, falls often come with stumbling over surprise objects. Recovery is often painfully slow.
Recently, however, I discovered, quite by accident (no pun intended!), that straightening a sore knee and hip more than usual relieved a good deal of my discomfort. Repositioning my physical body is giving me release and a new outlook on possible complete recovery.
How is it similar with me spiritually? Do I need to restructure and reposition my thinking?
The spirit and the body are the soul of man. Both need my attention; both need nourishment, food, changes, challenges, and patience. Reading scriptures and other good books, playing classical music, listening to a friend with a compassionate ear, walking vigorously in the sunshine, and sometimes just being still and quiet-aware of God’s voice-all these help to build up my spiritual nature. Falls will come; so will mountain heights.
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand. -Michael Joncas, xc2xa9 1991 New Dawn Music
Prayer Phrase
In God, I live and move and have my being.
Spiritual Practice
Breathing in the Spaces
When you move into different spaces throughout your day, consciously place yourself in the new setting with a desire to be alert to God’s presence. Over time, simply taking a deliberate breath will remind you that you are in God’s presence and that you want to be alert to God’s purposes in that setting. When entering the different spaces in your day (workplace, a colleague’s office, a restaurant or place of business, school or places where people meet) pause and take a deliberate breath. When returning home, pause to take a breath. As you take a deep breath, breathe in the goodness of the profound presence and purposes of God in each place you find yourself. Allow yourself to be drawn to people who may be blessed in simple ways by you being aware of them as persons of worth. -adapted from missionalleaders.org
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.
