Tag: Jesus

What is the law of the Lord? We are to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. When we have God as our center, our foundation, the Spirit within guides us and shows us the way. We learn to love others and we learn to love ourselves. Not in a narcissistic way which the dysfunctional world teaches but with a kind, compassionate and merciful love. Like the love that flows in the Trinity which is the outpouring of self-emptying love between the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

It takes endurance to live a life worth living. As a person who has found their value in achievement, running the race of life has been effortless most of the time. However, to live life well, in connection with God, myself and others, I’m learning the endurance it takes to slow down and enjoy the journey. 

We all need a “time out” to take a few moments to catch our breath. As a mother, I knew this well for my toddlers when they were pushing boundaries and not knowing when to stop. I would send my children to take a time out, not necessarily as punishment but to learn to calm down, to self-soothe so we could then talk about the impact of their actions.

When all else fails, “courtesy prevails” is a time-honored saying. And our daily experiences bear witness to its truth. It’s not a major decision to choose kindness in our actions, and there’s certainly nothing very difficult about being present to another in conversation. And yet, the frequency with which so many of us dishonor people by our rudeness, interruptions, and mean-spiritedness would suggest courtesy is indeed very elusive and difficult.

When all else fails, “courtesy prevails” is a time-honored saying. And our daily experiences bear witness to its truth. It’s not a major decision to choose kindness in our actions, and there’s certainly nothing very difficult about being present to another in conversation. And yet, the frequency with which so many of us dishonor people by our rudeness, interruptions, and mean-spiritedness would suggest courtesy is indeed very elusive and difficult.

The struggle is real between living in the world and not of the world. But with God as our center, the cornerstone of our heart, we are certainly on the right path.  We are not left alone to fend for ourselves, we are given the power of the Spirit.  A Spirit that draws us towards goodness, truth, and beauty. We are given gifts that sustain us for the journey.

Do you find that it is easy to forget God when life gets busy? And to forget to go to God when things go well? Almost without realizing it, we begin to separate ourselves from the vine. 

The world does not understand the Christian faith, so the world tries to change the faith to fit its understanding. If it cannot change the faith, then the world tries to destroy faith. 

Today we celebrate Pentecost where the descent of the Holy Spirit is placed within our hearts. This is the energetic force that draws us to life. This living spirit guides us, and reminds us what our creator placed in our hearts, drawing us to love.