(Monday)
Each year around this time, as buds begin to show their sleepy heads around the neighborhood, flowery words begin to blossom in my vocabulary as well. Often I return to my previous writings for inspiration and am reminded of the effort I put into the enhancement of certain phrases and language. Terms that are endearing, uplifting, and filled with praise drive my work. Each single word forms a mental picture of my subject matter. The lines I write are carefully crafted because lives depend on what I might say, and one flippant comment might be the driving blow to someone’s future.
I take my responsibility very seriously. I pray for wisdom as I gather my thoughts. My sentences must flow so that whoever receives my message will have clear information – information articulated with minimal words but maximum effect. I never want to enhance the truth, but I do want to state it honestly and confidently.
Occasionally, I don’t have any idea what to say. I might jot down a few ideas, but the words are slow to come. At those times, restructuring my earlier writings is tempting, but I think people deserve unique content rather than recycled comments.
I face the same questions each time I sit down to record my thoughts. Will this be understood? Is this eloquent enough? Am I using too much colorful language? Will anyone even pay attention to what I want them to know? Am I being faithful to my subject? I hesitate to declare absolutes. At the same time, I don’t want to water down reality in an effort to be believable.
Time after time, I work to find a balance because so much is at stake. The pressure, the deadlines, the expectations – all weigh heavily on me as I maneuver my thoughts into cohesive sentences. I suppose one might expect that I am talking about writing a sermon, but no. The task before me at this time of year is reference letters for students entering college.
Ah, the struggle is real. One unclear thought, one word taken out of context, even a misspelling or grammar error in my letter could sway an admissions officer to look at someone else with more interest. That possibility keeps me motivated to offer only my best work while discussing a student’s best qualities. The future of the world might well depend on which words I use!
Yes, I’m being a bit melodramatic, but I do think writing a reference for a student is undeniably important and I do want to offer my best. If I were to paint an unfavorable picture (unintentionally, of course), the path of our students could potentially be altered.
The paths of young people are fraught with questions and forks in the road. Writing one little reference letter may be of small consequence to an admissions office making decisions about hundreds of students. Keeping students moving on straightforward paths as they grow and learn – that is certainly more important… and more difficult. Helping teenagers maintain a healthy spiritual life is a chore that requires time and effort dedicated to words and phrases, sentences and instruction, leading and guiding.
“How can young people keep their paths pure?” the psalmist asks. By guarding them according to what God has said. “And who is going to teach them what God has said?” I ask although I already know the answer. The Church, the Body of Christ, the People of God, the members of Divine Street will do this. I will do this. You will do this. We will do this together.
I think guiding another person to know Jesus is like writing the best reference letter imaginable.
Ready to refer,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PSALM 119
O Still Speaking God, throughout history and the wide world you have gathered people around your Word to instruct and inspire. We give thanks for all who have received your vision and shaped diverse and faithful communities to follow in your Way. Continue to open that vision to us, that we may become transformed by the renewing of your Word in our hearts. Enable us to grow in love and understanding for each other. Create in us, O God, clean hearts and minds; Let us join with you in your suffering and your triumph. We desire to be your children and we claim these blessings in your name. Amen.
For this and others prayers, visit: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 119 – How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you’ve said. I have sought you with all my heart. Don’t let me stray from any of your commandments!
Isaiah 43 – I, I am the Lord, and there is no savior besides me. I announced, I saved, I proclaimed,
not some stranger among you. You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and I am God.
2 Corinthians 3 – If the glory that fades away was glorious, how much more glorious is the one that lasts!
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html
Each year around this time, as buds begin to show their sleepy heads around the neighborhood, flowery words begin to blossom in my vocabulary as well. Often I return to my previous writings for inspiration and am reminded of the effort I put into the enhancement of certain phrases and language. Terms that are endearing, uplifting, and filled with praise drive my work. Each single word forms a mental picture of my subject matter. The lines I write are carefully crafted because lives depend on what I might say, and one flippant comment might be the driving blow to someone’s future.
I take my responsibility very seriously. I pray for wisdom as I gather my thoughts. My sentences must flow so that whoever receives my message will have clear information – information articulated with minimal words but maximum effect. I never want to enhance the truth, but I do want to state it honestly and confidently.
Occasionally, I don’t have any idea what to say. I might jot down a few ideas, but the words are slow to come. At those times, restructuring my earlier writings is tempting, but I think people deserve unique content rather than recycled comments.
I face the same questions each time I sit down to record my thoughts. Will this be understood? Is this eloquent enough? Am I using too much colorful language? Will anyone even pay attention to what I want them to know? Am I being faithful to my subject? I hesitate to declare absolutes. At the same time, I don’t want to water down reality in an effort to be believable.
Time after time, I work to find a balance because so much is at stake. The pressure, the deadlines, the expectations – all weigh heavily on me as I maneuver my thoughts into cohesive sentences. I suppose one might expect that I am talking about writing a sermon, but no. The task before me at this time of year is reference letters for students entering college.
Ah, the struggle is real. One unclear thought, one word taken out of context, even a misspelling or grammar error in my letter could sway an admissions officer to look at someone else with more interest. That possibility keeps me motivated to offer only my best work while discussing a student’s best qualities. The future of the world might well depend on which words I use!
Yes, I’m being a bit melodramatic, but I do think writing a reference for a student is undeniably important and I do want to offer my best. If I were to paint an unfavorable picture (unintentionally, of course), the path of our students could potentially be altered.
The paths of young people are fraught with questions and forks in the road. Writing one little reference letter may be of small consequence to an admissions office making decisions about hundreds of students. Keeping students moving on straightforward paths as they grow and learn – that is certainly more important… and more difficult. Helping teenagers maintain a healthy spiritual life is a chore that requires time and effort dedicated to words and phrases, sentences and instruction, leading and guiding.
“How can young people keep their paths pure?” the psalmist asks. By guarding them according to what God has said. “And who is going to teach them what God has said?” I ask although I already know the answer. The Church, the Body of Christ, the People of God, the members of Divine Street will do this. I will do this. You will do this. We will do this together.
I think guiding another person to know Jesus is like writing the best reference letter imaginable.
Ready to refer,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PSALM 119
O Still Speaking God, throughout history and the wide world you have gathered people around your Word to instruct and inspire. We give thanks for all who have received your vision and shaped diverse and faithful communities to follow in your Way. Continue to open that vision to us, that we may become transformed by the renewing of your Word in our hearts. Enable us to grow in love and understanding for each other. Create in us, O God, clean hearts and minds; Let us join with you in your suffering and your triumph. We desire to be your children and we claim these blessings in your name. Amen.
For this and others prayers, visit: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 119 – How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you’ve said. I have sought you with all my heart. Don’t let me stray from any of your commandments!
Isaiah 43 – I, I am the Lord, and there is no savior besides me. I announced, I saved, I proclaimed,
not some stranger among you. You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and I am God.
2 Corinthians 3 – If the glory that fades away was glorious, how much more glorious is the one that lasts!
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html