This morning I walked through the house opening doors and shutters letting in what little light was there on a dreary morning. Sigh. I was really looking forward to some serious sunshine today. Maybe some music will help, I thought as I sat at my piano and set my mind to some devotional hymns. While turning the pages in my favorite hymnal, I ran across an old favorite and began to play. My fingers moved across the keys, and soon my eyes fell on a phrase encouraging me to live my life, every moment of my life, in peace. I paused.
I’m three days in. Three days of completely staying in and working from home. Three days of realizing that most of my resources are in my office at the church. Three days of wishing I could go visit someone. Three days of making plans for the foreseeable future, writing and studying, updating websites and files. Three days of staring into the refrigerator wondering what I want to eat next. Three days of forcing myself to turn the TV off. Three days of wondering how many more days this will last.
I’ve eaten most of the snacks that were meant to last a good while. I’ve exhausted my arguments as to why hubby cannot go to Lowe’s – again. I’ve resigned myself to Easter looking much different than past years. I’m pretty sure this is not the peace the hymn writer had in mind.
The Apostle Paul might have liked that hymn. His letter to the people of Rome is not only the longest letter we have from him, it’s arguably his most persuasive call to eternal peace. Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians are at odds over what rules to follow in their faith journey, and Paul is sharing with them his understanding of God’s grace. Encouraging and supporting one another, he says, honoring and edifying each other – that’s our place. Value others. Respect them. You don’t have to agree with their ways, but offer them understanding. This is what happens when you are the recipient of God’s grace. You no longer go your own way; you live a holy life, a life of peace. “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.” (Romans 14:19 CEB)
When I finished reading that hymn, I found myself back at the window wondering how I might live in peace. Finding creative ways to offer a sense of calm when we cannot be together is a challenge, but maybe being stuck at home for a time offers me a way to push the re-start button. For today, here are some things I’ll contemplate:
The sound of the hymn continues to ring in my head. Lord, let there truly be peace on earth, and let it begin with me today.
Grace and PEACE,
Pastor Beth
I’m three days in. Three days of completely staying in and working from home. Three days of realizing that most of my resources are in my office at the church. Three days of wishing I could go visit someone. Three days of making plans for the foreseeable future, writing and studying, updating websites and files. Three days of staring into the refrigerator wondering what I want to eat next. Three days of forcing myself to turn the TV off. Three days of wondering how many more days this will last.
I’ve eaten most of the snacks that were meant to last a good while. I’ve exhausted my arguments as to why hubby cannot go to Lowe’s – again. I’ve resigned myself to Easter looking much different than past years. I’m pretty sure this is not the peace the hymn writer had in mind.
The Apostle Paul might have liked that hymn. His letter to the people of Rome is not only the longest letter we have from him, it’s arguably his most persuasive call to eternal peace. Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians are at odds over what rules to follow in their faith journey, and Paul is sharing with them his understanding of God’s grace. Encouraging and supporting one another, he says, honoring and edifying each other – that’s our place. Value others. Respect them. You don’t have to agree with their ways, but offer them understanding. This is what happens when you are the recipient of God’s grace. You no longer go your own way; you live a holy life, a life of peace. “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.” (Romans 14:19 CEB)
When I finished reading that hymn, I found myself back at the window wondering how I might live in peace. Finding creative ways to offer a sense of calm when we cannot be together is a challenge, but maybe being stuck at home for a time offers me a way to push the re-start button. For today, here are some things I’ll contemplate:
- How might I throw open the shutters of intolerance?
- Where can I offer light into someone’s darkness?
- Who needs to hear my voice of calm and peace?
- How will I honor God through holy living?
- What will I cover in intentional prayer today?
The sound of the hymn continues to ring in my head. Lord, let there truly be peace on earth, and let it begin with me today.
Grace and PEACE,
Pastor Beth
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