When was the last time that you were stopped in your tracks by something which filled you with awe? I imagine that, around Jesus, such incidents happened fairly regularly. Of course, often the feelings aroused rather than awe (at least on the part of the authorities) were outrage and anger as Jesus defied convention and took liberties with the rules. As always, however, he has an answer for his critics and puts them firmly in their place. "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" proving that it's his power and not the form of words which give life and health.

I have a four year old granddaughter who lights up my life. I am privileged to spend part of every week with her and, even more than with my own children, I am struck by the sheer miracle of her. Her personality and character – so new to this world. Her learning and development — so rapid and engaging. Her joy in life – so simple, unaffected, delighted in very simple things. Her child's view of the world – so unique, unspoiled, enlightening, and arresting. I am in awe.

Perhaps if we had eyes to see we would see miracles all around us, be stopped in our tracks on a daily basis, and end each day thinking, 'we have seen strange things today' as we look with the eyes of faith to see the wonder of life.

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, we praise you for your wild disregard

for the petty rules and regulations of humanity

and your life-giving, life-enhancing power.

We praise you for the daily miracles which surround us

to enrich our lives and bring us joy.

Give us eyes to see, ears to hear,

and hearts to understand the new things you do every day.

May we be inspired by the beauty of your rebelliousness

against all that constrains and hinders,

seeing with the clarity and acceptance of a child

that we may be stopped in our tracks

by the wonder of life with you, Amen

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Prayer for Lent

Lord, help us protect your trees, and all creation, not just because they are part of your world, but because they hold together your land, which protects our neighbours from floods and landslides. Because they are a sign that life is near, and water, shelter, and sustenance is possible. Lord, would we see a tree and be reminded of your goodness, faithfulness and provision, and would we remember our responsibility to care for creation. Amen
Read more

Shoots and Roots

A couple of weeks ago my grandson Alfie and I planted courgette seeds in a tray, watered them, then covered them with clingfilm before finally putting them on my kitchen windowsill. There were few signs of growth over the coming days. I then went on holiday for a long weekend and to my surprise upon my return the seeds had not just sprouted but amazingly were growing abundant and strong. They were so strong and large that I was able to pot them on and put them outside in the greenhouse! Sometimes we don't see or understand the work God is doing in our lives. But if we are consistently reading God's word, spending time with God in prayer, cultivating our relationship with God and our fellow believers then we will experience spiritual growth. Sometimes our growth might seemingly be slower than others but if we are consistent then we will experience times of abundant growth and fruitfulness — blessing not just us but God's Kingdom.    Prayer:   Creator God, Fill us with a desi...
Read more

Hurry Up and Wait

"What will we do with our spare time"? That thought was the heart of an essay published in 1930 by the economist John Maynard Keynes. In it Keynes proposed that within a hundred years, technological and economic advances would bring humans to a point where we would need to work no more than 15 hours a week! It has been more than 90 years for this to come to fruition. However, technology, instead of creating mire leisure, has made us busier than ever. Our days are and, while everyday tasks like travel and meal preparation take less time we're still in a hurry. One striking incident David's life shows us how to stay steady in this perceived need for haste. When David  was fleeing from King Saul (who was trying to kill him), he asked the King of Moab, "would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me"? (1 Samuel 22:3 ). David had his hands full. He was trying to escape Saul's murderous pu...
Read more