"Within these walls and within our community, we have the God given capacity to find ourselves lovable because God loves us. We have the God given capacity to do good unto others not to earn our salvation, but to respond to it. And that is how love works."
Benediction by Pastor David Jewel.
Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 8/5/2018
At the end of the service I played the piano for, the pastor gave the above benediction. It so moved me that I wanted to jot it down. But, alas, it was my cue to play the postlude.
By the time I had said my good-byes, and headed out to the bus stop, it had disappeared like a mist in my brain. I have such poor memory these days. I find I need to write things down. For instance this blog! It has come in handy many times when I am struggling to remember an event on a certain day.
Anyway, at the bus stop I emailed the pastor and asked if he could text me his benediction. The above is what he remembered of it. Which is very close. What really struck me was "...do good unto others not to earn our salvation, but to respont to it."
It struck me that is the heart of the teachings of Jesus!
I had another revelation last night on my long bus ride home. I was thinking about how my suggestions to my daughter and son-in-law about child rearing, housekeeping, dog raising, general life living in general were not always extremely well received.
I am embarrassed to admit I am in danger of turning into a grumpy old, naggy woman. I'm sure you know the type.
I do not want to be that.
I have currently just finished chapter 13 ("A Judgmental, Critical, and Suspicious Mind") in the book I am reading by Joyce Meyer (Battlefield of the Mind).
I have starred and underlined probably half of this chapter!
Here are a few highlights:
" We answer to God, not to each other; therefore, we are not to judge one another in a critical way."
"...we cannot always prevent ourselves from having opinions, but we do not have to express them."
"We cannot change others; only God can."
"Jesus commanded that we not concern ourselves with what is wrong with others when we have so much wrong with ourselves."
I actually finished this chapter on the bus. Then I sat with my forehead against the cool window, watching the traffic outside the bus. I get a bit of motion sickness reading in a moving vehicle. I wanted to close my eyes, but last time I did that I passed out and missed my bus stop!
So I just took a deep breath and asked God to help me with my negativity. How could I help my kids?
And I heard a small voice, from deep inside my soul say, "Wait until they ask for your advice".
I listen when God talks.
This morning was a very good morning. I didn't pop up early and hoop. I didn't even put the trash on the porch or do the dishes. I just relaxed in bed. Soon, I heard Gracie whimpering in the next room. My daughter opened the door to my bedroom and asked if I would hold the baby for a bit while she got up and made coffee.
I held out my arms. Gracie is still recovering from her ear infection. She is enjoying all of our sympathy and cuddles.
"Oooh the poor baby", I soothed as she fussed.
I expected to have to get out of bed. But she let out a sigh and put her little head on my chest. And slept another half hour. It was the sweetest way to spend the morning.
My daughter was able to get her morning chores done without worrying about the baby, or me underfoot. I got early morning snuggles with the sweetest baby in the world!
When she finally woke, she was in better spirits. So we walked Honey Dog down to the park and I got a nice hoop session in.
I am now in Portland, at my home away from home. The library. It is quiet and cool in here. Soon, I will head to Starbucks for an iced tea and then to teach piano.
I feel very peaceful. And loved.
I should listen to God more often!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
P.S. Here is today's hooping video. Day 376!
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