Passions in Egypt

I can't imagine being surrounded by people with that much energy, with that much passion, and no safe outlet for it. It's scary to think about how quickly this situation has elevated--there must be thirty years of passion behind it, of a desire for change, and all of that is coming rushing forth at once. I suppose much of this results from individuals not feeling like their voices are heard.

What do we pray for? I don't even know. I have been praying for peace, for a way forward. I trust in God, even though I cannot see the future God has prepared.

2/3/11

Good morning, God.
Thank you for another day.  I don't understand how you sustain creation, but I trust that you do.  I've seen so much of the beauty you have created, from the rugged mountains to the peaceful shore, and I am amazed at everything you have done.  Your hand seems to have carved valleys that cry out in splendor, and your creativity is evident every time I visit the aquarium.  Your beauty is everywhere, and I am amazed.

Thank you, Lord, for the people in my life.  You have surrounded me with gracious, wonderful people, and I pray that you might strengthen me, enabling me to extend to them the same grace I receive from them.

Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you have given me.  I pray that I might be able to offer them back with gratitude in my heart.

Thank you, Lord, for everything.  You are Lord of heaven and of earth, and of every moment of my life.

Amen

Brahms Lullaby, Michelin, and my frustrating memory

  So I often can't remember where I left my car keys, what I was entering a room to do, or the name of a person who, five seconds ago, just told me their name.  Twice.  It's infuriating.

  But there I am... trying desperately to learn how to play the piano, and not exactly succeeding with wild abundance, but I have made it into adult book #2.  And in the beginning of book #2 is Brahms' Lullaby, or at least a simplistic version of it.  So I've been pounding upon the keyboard for the past week, trying to reproduce this beautiful piece of music, and all I can hear in my head is a Michelin commercial that used the same piece of music.  It's an old commercial (so old it's not on Youtube--that makes it practically prehistoric), probably designed sometime before the internet was created, when apples were still fruits and not expensive gadgets.

  But it's left me thinking about the impact we Christians leave on others.  I can't hear Brahms' Lullaby without thinking about a tire commercial from years ago.  What kind of impact do Christians have on others, and what kind of lasting effect do their words and actions have?

  I believe that we often forget how long the effects of our actions can last.  In this age, where so much is temporary, transient, the loving actions of a Christian can still have permanent effects on people.  In the same way, our failing to live with integrity can forever taint the image of Christ in the mind of a non-believer.

  May we accept this responsibility and go forth into the world, seeking to allow Christ to work through us, transforming the world.  May we realize that the immediate effects of our actions may be unknown & immeasurable, but that does not mean they will not last, for years perhaps, floating around in the back of someone's mind, a memory that the Holy Spirit may use at the appropriate time to point someone toward Christ.  May we love our neighbors with reckless abandon, uncertain of the results, but certain that the Kingdom of God is at work in and through us, and may we trust in God that the imprints of our love will be remembered for years to come.

2/2/11

Holy God,

I pray for your peace this morning.  Amidst the chaos of the world and the chaos of my heart, I pray that your peace might reign.  I know of the promise of your peace, of the prophecy that tells me the lion and the lamb will lie down together.  I know that one day Christ will descend from on high, and that the Kingdom of God will reign fully.  I know the promises, Lord, and I am fervently praying that my life will contribute to what you are doing in this world, that your peace will come through me, that your peace will reign in me.  Quiet all the sinful voices in my head, that I might turn from them and turn to you, trusting in your grace and love.

amen