One walks the straight line down
rows of cedar windbreak
while he wanders in and about
touching each rough tree trunk.
One swims laps between dark
lines painted on base of pool
while she drifts along the shoreline
wondering “where am I now?”
One cuts wood with sharp toothed
saw blade
while he whittles away until
“it” is revealed.
Day in and day out our
ways are varied and yet
who of us has not wept hot tears
of disbelief?
And who among us
has not wept cool tears of joy
when seeing reunions at last
with beloved ones?
When experiencing
humanity in its
deepest forms, we become children
returning home.
Tears flowing, we bow down
in gratitude and grace-filled
Light streams down upon the world.
Respect and love
to all.
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I Corinthians 1:3-9. (CEB)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving for the Corinthians
I thank my God always for you, because of God’s grace that was given to you in Christ Jesus. That is, you were made rich through him in everything: in all your communication and every kind of knowledge, in the same way that the testimony about Christ was confirmed with you. The result is that you aren’t missing any spiritual gift while you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also confirm your testimony about Christ until the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and you were called by him to partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
____________________________________________
The poem this week is a combined response to the news of the kidnapped hostages being released in Israel, and caring so much about friends going through difficult times. Although it does no good, worry can help anxious people think we do have some sense of control over the situation.
When we are able, it feels really good to pray and then release concerns to God. Believers have faith that even before trouble comes our way, God has already given us what we need. through God, even nations are brought to peace.
Receive comfort, and remember that God goes before us, behind us, and within us, holding our hand. It does not matter whether we are going down the straight path or wandering in and out, seeking our way.
Perhaps you’ve experienced this while gazing at the full moon this week or the bright sun set in a blue sky. On this crisp, calm late fall day, walking through the wooded area has filled me with peace, and I send it now to you.
We at Saint Paul pray for you with a sense of gratitude and love,
Rev. Marta Wheeler