“One modest tool for letting go in prayer that I’ve used for twenty-five years is a God box” Anne Lamott

Last Lent Bishop Lee extended an invitation to members of this diocese to join him in reading a book as a Lenten discipline. He would offer on-line commentary and others would respond. This year Bishop Lee suggested the book by Anne Lamott (one of my favorite authors) entitled Help Thanks Wow: Three Essential Prayers.

I have been reading the book and the quote above is from her chapter on Help. She has been expressing her awareness that she’s not in charge of “things” no matter how hard she may try and that she needs to be able to let go of this obsession to be in control. In her words HELP. This God box is her device that helps her surrender.

SEND FORTH YOUR SPIRIT, O LORD, AND RENEW THE FACE OF THE EARTH.

If the daffodils and bushes in my back yard are any indication spring has come; though as I write this article the temperature outside is in the low 40s. Spring is a time of renewal. A time when the face of the earth smiles with color and decorates the landscape with bursts of buds, blossoms and blooms. Our eyes have a field day with the brilliance that is presented to us. As spring develops one can step out the door, take a deep breath and inhale the scent of the new flower or bush that has come into bloom. (for some this can be a more appealing experience than for others)

As we enjoy and relish this season of the year, we can also give thanks for the spiritual renewal of God’s Holy Spirit. On the weekend of May18/19, we celebrate the Feast Day called Pentecost. It is the time in the church year when we recall the gift of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples like tongues of fire and the breath of God.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” Luke 14:18

These words were spoken by Jesus as he initiated his public ministry. They were voiced after Jesus had spent forty days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. Having successfully passed all of Satan’s tests, Jesus returned to the region of Galilee where he began to teach in the synagogue. Being filled with power of God’s Spirit Jesus went to his hometown Nazareth and attended synagogue on the Sabbath as was his custom.

"Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us."
Hebrews 12:1

In October, for my birthday, I was given a small book entitled "Moving Meditations" written by Nancy Hopkins-Greene; published by Forward Movement. It is "a 50 day journey" of meditations to contemplate and compliment an exercise regime – no matter how strict or relaxed. It is intended to be used on 50 consecutive days but life being what it is; I have used it intermittently in my walks.

I was struck by this particular passage as we enter this season of Advent because it seems like from Thanksgiving until the New Year life is a race – sometimes a rat race. The meditation puts it this way: "For better or for worse, our lives often feel like a race, moving too quickly, challenging and pushing us. Often we are rushing from one thing to another and need to slow down. On the other hand, 'the race that is set before us' can often be the reality of our lives."