At RevGals Jan is inspired by a few verses from Psalm 105:3-4:
. . . let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually.
Seeking is rejoicing. Rejoicing comes from the seeking, NOT the end of glory, heaven, enlightenment, or whatever. Seeking is the journey--RIGHT NOW!
So for this Friday Five the following list reflects what I am seeking.
. . . let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually.
Seeking is rejoicing. Rejoicing comes from the seeking, NOT the end of glory, heaven, enlightenment, or whatever. Seeking is the journey--RIGHT NOW!
So for this Friday Five the following list reflects what I am seeking.
1) My first response is to say TIME! Since returning to the conventional schedule of work I don't have the same freedom or flexibility with time I had for, oh, the last twenty years! It's an adjustment, with a capital A. Much as I miss the freedom and flexibility, however, time isn't really what I seek. The wherewithal to use my time more effectively is what I seek. Is wherewithal something one can seek? Well, this is my Friday five, so I say "yes!"
2) I seek a return to the depth of God's presence that I once experienced. I've shared before how God's apparent disregard for going to war in Iraq really messed with my prayer life, and nothing has been the same since. I miss that intimacy.
3) I seek friends. My life has become increasingly isolated in the relationship department. I'm trying to look at my part in the loneliness that I feel, and though I can take some responsibility for it, the rest remains a mystery. It's increasingly painful.
4) I seek God's intervention in a number of arenas: my own life (see #2, above); the hearts of so-called Christians whose espoused beliefs reflect nothing of the gospel; the US congress; the global economy; and my dog's bladder habits.
5) I seek the courage to make some changes in my life. Overcoming the inertia that keeps me from exercising would be a great place to start. I really hate to exercise, and I need/want to lose 50 pounds.
Bonus) I seek healing for the pain and brokenness of the world.
Second Bonus) I'm desperate for inspiration for a Halloween costume.
5 comments:
I am with you on many of your prayers, including the Halloween costume! I know God will bring what we need, even if it is not always what we thought we wanted. Thank you for your honest and thought-provoking writing.
AE, your list touched me deeply. Seeking peace and relationships tug for me.
Anne, your list touched me greatly, too. Your work schedule sounds intensive, which probably lessens time to cultivate friendships--loneliness, plus perceived loneliness with God. (But I was newly reminded that the perceived absence of God IS God--am trying to reframe my interpretation of the emptiness.) I consider you a friend and hold you in the Light.
Can you add MY bladder to #4? Just kidding - but it would be nice for once in my life to just sleep through the night :)
I've been feeling the absence of friendship lately too. Someone to go to the movies with would be great! But I admit I haven't worked very hard at it. I think I'll pray for both of us in this regard!
I think that the feeling of lonliness is part of the human condition--and perhaps what orignial sin really is. But since I don't really believe in Orignial Sin, I have to think that through a bit more.8>) But take the time for friendship. It is the healthiest thing you can do in ministry.
And I will yoke with you on the exercise thing if you would like. I need to do that too. revlagough at.aol.com
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