Building the Tabernacle as I Read My Way through the Bible

I am part of a group that is supporting each other as we each read the Bible in a year. It won’t surprise you to know that my favorite portions of the Bible are the stories. I enjoyed reading Genesis and most of Exodus. And then, we got to the building directions section. I do not enjoy reading or attempting to comprehend instructions for building furniture, and that is what I feel like we have beginning in the 25th chapter of Exodus. We learn how to build the ark of the covenant, the tabernacle, and the many other sacred items. It is overwhelming and confusing for me. And as much as I was not enjoying this section of the reading, I am reminded of others who might enjoy it. I had a hospice patient whose family described him as someone who loved reading directions and always wanted to know how things work. So instead of struggling through this reading, I imagined he was reading and following the directions. Although it was hard for me to picture the final project with the information provided, I imagined those people who could take these ancient words and build something beautiful. I won’t say that my change in attitude made me enjoy the readings, but it did open my eyes to the variety of gifts and the differences in what brings us joy.
So when you are faced with tasks you do not enjoy this week, picture someone else doing it who might enjoy it. Remind yourself that we all have things we enjoy doing and are good at doing as well as things that are difficult for us and possibly less fun. Those things are not the same for everyone. In our variety of gifts and talents there is room for everyone and we have much to teach each other. So, maybe we all need to do something that challenges us or we don’t think we will enjoy. While you decide what that is, I am going back to reading how to build the tabernacle.
God of All Creation,
You created us with a variety of gifts and talents. You created us as people who read the directions and understand them and others of us who read the directions and have more questions than answers. You created us as those who create beautiful things and appreciate the beauty that can be created. Open our eyes to our own gifts and to the gifts of others. Open our minds to try something new that might challenge us. Open our mouths to say kind things to each other when we step out of our comfort zones. Open us to you, Gracious God, because we need you in our lives. Amen.

A Cup of Tea and an Update

I was asked by one of my regular readers what was going on as he had noticed that my writing has become a little less regular lately. And the answer I gave him and I give you is that 2018 has been a hard year so far. I have been spending time grieving the death of a loved one and caring for a loved one who is ill. It has been hard. I have wanted to write and have not been able to find the words. I am hoping that I can begin to write more regularly. At some point, I may write more about all that has happened this year, but not yet as I am still living through it and processing it.

This week I enjoyed a cup of tea in this mug my sister gave me for my birthday. Holding a cup of tea in my hands is like a hug across the miles from my sister. As the weekend approaches, find a little time to be thankful for someone who brings joy to your life. Have a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and know you are loved.

Getting Back on Track This Lenten Season

Today is Ash Wednesday. This is the first of our 40 day journey toward Easter. There are many ways to observe this season, and I invite you to consider waiting, using post-its, or whatever method works for you to use this time intentionally to grow in your faith. I will be removing 40 things from my home as I do each Lent. And, I will be getting back on track with a few spiritual practices that I have been neglecting. So on this Ash Wednesday, I ask for forgiveness for the ways I have fallen behind in what I intend to do. This Lenten Season will be a time to reset, begin again, and extend the same grace to myself as I extend to others.

However you plan to observe this season I hope this time will help you grow in your faith and strength your relationship with the Creator. Peace be to you, this Lenten Season.