I had to post this meditation by Carol Mead from Holy Ordinary because it is just that good. I love all of her writings, but this one grabbed me and won't let go. Enjoy, and then head on over to her website and subscribe to her daily updates. I have nearly 400 of them saved in an email file,and I promise you--they're better than money in the bank! This one is for anyone who is hurting... may God bless you with a "view-finder" of your own whenever you need them.
Pam
The View
February 18, 2009
Isaiah 63:15-64:9: For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times. . . no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
While on pilgrimage last week, I had to forgo two aspects of the trip--up cathedral towers with magnificent views--because of injury. The people with me, though, made the climb on my behalf, in a sense, telling me about the view and taking photos so that I could share it, too. Some offered to stay with me, but I wanted them to experience it and bring it back to me.
We practice Christianity in community because each of us experiences days when we look up and think, "I can't get there today." Each person, no matter how faithful, faces days of weakness, of need, in which we rely on others to remind us of the power of our God and the ability God gives us to transcend troubles.
On such days, when the steps stretch out impossibly and I cannot get there on my own, I look to other human beings. They remind me of when God "did awesome things that we did not expect." They remind me that, when I am too weak to see the transcendent, God comes down from the mountain to embrace me even in my low places. So yes, human vulnerability means that, some days, I cannot get to a place where I can see God.
But on those days, I have someone to climb those steps and remind me of the view.
Psalms 101, 109:1-30; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Mark 11:27-12:12
© 2009 by Carol Mead. This material is copyrighted, but you may forward it in its entirety to others. To subscribe, visit the website at www.holyordinary.com
Isaiah 63:15-64:9: For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times. . . no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
While on pilgrimage last week, I had to forgo two aspects of the trip--up cathedral towers with magnificent views--because of injury. The people with me, though, made the climb on my behalf, in a sense, telling me about the view and taking photos so that I could share it, too. Some offered to stay with me, but I wanted them to experience it and bring it back to me.
We practice Christianity in community because each of us experiences days when we look up and think, "I can't get there today." Each person, no matter how faithful, faces days of weakness, of need, in which we rely on others to remind us of the power of our God and the ability God gives us to transcend troubles.
On such days, when the steps stretch out impossibly and I cannot get there on my own, I look to other human beings. They remind me of when God "did awesome things that we did not expect." They remind me that, when I am too weak to see the transcendent, God comes down from the mountain to embrace me even in my low places. So yes, human vulnerability means that, some days, I cannot get to a place where I can see God.
But on those days, I have someone to climb those steps and remind me of the view.
Psalms 101, 109:1-30; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Mark 11:27-12:12
© 2009 by Carol Mead. This material is copyrighted, but you may forward it in its entirety to others. To subscribe, visit the website at www.holyordinary.com
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7 kind comments:
Wow. This was very good! Thanks for sharing. Thanks for your congratulations on being fan of the week. It was so nice and I was VERY surprised : ). Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
AWESOME, Pam! Hope your day is blessed!♥
Such a great post.
I can see why it "grabbed you and won't let go!"
It reminded me of this passage in Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,his friend can help him up.But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Thanks for sharing that one. Makes you stop and do some thinking. Awesome.
Terrific...and words I could hang onto this week. Its been one of those week when I've felt like I just can't make the climb...
Thanks for sharing this - very encouraging for me!
Wow, beautifully written. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to stop now and say a prayer for all those around me who remind my of Christ's power and love when I let life distract me from that truth. And thanks for your kind comments on my blog. I'll be sure to watch my little turkey closer at the park so no cigarette butts make it into his mouth, LOL!
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