Remembering

Tuesday February 26                         Isaiah 55:1-9

Sophie Maness

            When I was little I went to worship. I really do not remember when I started going, but I do remember falling asleep on my Dad’s shoulder. I remember standing in the pew next to my Dad to sing the hymns, making designs on my bulletin, and dropping the pencil I used to make the designs on the floor. I remember greeting people after worship, and they seemed happy to see me and to talk with me.

                  I am sure I was a distraction to others at times, but I was not very aware of it. Now I think I am less of a distraction to others, and more of a distraction to myself. Too often I sit in the pew and think about to-do lists, or grocery lists, or what needs to happen next, and on and on.

                  This Isaiah passage reminds me that God’s time is not our time, that God’s ways are not our ways. I need the reminder that God is in control, not me. I need to be reminded of God’s grace and love and power on a regular basis.  In the stories I hear from the pulpit, I get glimpses of the kingdom. In the pardon and the peace, I am restored again to God and the community. In the music I hear the spirit moving, and in our prayers I remember those who are hurting.

                  By taking the time to focus, take a deep breath and listen for God with my faith community, I am strengthened for the week to come, and challenged to trust deeply, and reach a bit more for the kingdom that God envisions. Sometimes that means putting my lists down and working on God’s as it comes.

Prayer: Gracious God, help us remember you created us and we are your children. Help us take a deep breath and listen for your guidance every day. Amen.

Daily Challenge: How or where do you hear God in worship most clearly?