Most loving parent...

"Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer."

Hosea 11:4

I love this image of God the parent, but this reading today really struck me. God is such a thankless lover and compassionate parent! Regardless of how shabby God was treated by the Israelites, God kept coming back for more. It is easier to see God mirrored through our parents if had a loving childhood. My parents were such a nice balance of parenting. My dad was an over-indulgent, Heidi-can-do-no-wrong, parent. My mom was firm and realistic, not wanting me to be spoiled. Between the two of them, I received a lovely balance of firm, yet abundant, love. I caught a glimpse of the overly indulgent God in my dad and the loving, yet ever-guiding and teaching God in my mom. How blessed I am! Let's spend some time today with our overly indulgent God, who just wants us to be our best selves. I have a long, beautiful drive today into the wilds of Idaho...it's an excellent opportunity to spend time with my most Loving Parent! Love, heidi

Falling in love...

"Life in the Spirit is the thrill and excitement of falling in love with Jesus Christ."

Brennan Manning, "Reflections for Ragamuffins"

If you have been blessed in your life to have fallen in love, remember how that state of being turned your world upside down. Routines were abandoned, schedules changed; everything was stirred up! I remember one friend telling me that her life was so topsy-turvy that she found herself vacuuming her apartment at 5:00 in the morning! All you want is to spend time with that person--no matter what (and with clean carpets, too, apparently!) Our relationship with Jesus is a love-match. At least it is from Jesus' side. Jesus longs to be part of our day and in our thoughts. Think about when you really discovered Jesus. Not just discovered Jesus in church, but really discovered Jesus in your own life and heart. Didn't everything seem different to you? Didn't you change? Didn't you move things around to spend more time with Jesus? That's the idea. Has Jesus turned your life upside down? He wants to. Love, heidi

For those who work today...

"My day begins, O Gracious God; let all my work be done as prayer as I do it one with you.

May I, like your son Jesus, be Emmanuel, 'God among us,' here in this place of work.

May I carry your presence as I respond to all with kindness and warmth, with joy and humble service.

Grant me the grace to love Christ in all who will share my life this day.

O God, grant me this gift."

Fr. Ed Hays, "Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim"

This prayer is dedicated to all who labor this summer Tuesday! Let all of our work be prayer! Love, heidi

God's strength in our weakness

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9

This was the second reading this weekend and I've been thinking about it since I heard it Saturday evening. It seems so contrary to human thinking doesn't it? We have the notion we need to be strong and perfect. The stronger and perfect-er, the better. In this reading, St. Paul laments his own faults and failings. His "thorn in the flesh," as he calls it. He asks God to take it away and God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." Wow, that. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," too. So, what is it about our poorness of spirit and weakness as humans that God is blessing here? In our weakness, we may be more pliable. We realize we cannot do it alone, we struggle and recognize that we need help. We give God a chance to take an end and help with the heavy lifting. When we feel strong and invincible, we leave God on the sidelines. "I got this, thanks, but no thanks." God doesn't want us to be weak and wimpy, but God does want us to rely on God's strength. Our efforts are multiplied, by like a bazillion, when we allow God to enter in. In our weakness God's strength can shine. Blessings on your summer Monday! Love, heidi