That was my life today and it was frustrating, especially knowing that there would be quite a number of visitors for our Children's Christmas Pageant and the Choral Cantata (both of which turned out beautiful by the way). So I picked out a new hymn, hand wrote it in the bulletins and proceeded to get ready to worship. And worship we did!
Later after getting home, the frustration at myself was still there despite all of my rationalizing that grace abounds and my salvation was not dependent upon a bulletin error. In an effort to turn my frustration around, I lit our advent wreath candles and sat down with my bible, an advent devotional, and a book of contemplative reflections.
I opened the devotional first, read it through and then proceeded to read the short scripture passage and the 'challenge' of the day. (This devotional provides a discipleship growing challenge for each day.) However, this day... yes, this day the word 'challenge' was mispelled (chalenge). Oh thank you Lord, my heart smiled as I laughed out loud. I'm not the only one who messes up something simple.
Then, after reading all of the suggested scripture passages, I opened the contemplative reflections book. These are not dated reflections and I usually read one each day as they are enough to fill one's thoughts for hours. The book opened to the place marked from yesterday, I turned the page and that this is what I found...
Stop fretting.
Be quiet.
Learn peace.
Birth peace.
Eight simple words in four simple sentences tapping me on the shoulder and drawing me back to a place of calm... and I was at peace, knowing that God knew the frustration in my heart and was working it out of me.
Sure glad I opened my devotional book--and my heart--to God's gentle, grace-filled hand.
Now... on to the quiet thing...
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