Epiphanies

This Epiphany season, take permission to lessen the busyness. If you’re holding on to anger or bitterness, let that relax as well. Loosen the knots between your shoulders. Know you can do so and strengthen your resolve at the same time.
Trust God is out there, working beyond our boundaries, beyond our grudges, beyond our sense of rightness or wrongness. God is out there, beyond our political orthodoxies and our faith traditions. God is waiting to be manifest to us, and for us to show up resolved to make a difference for the sake of love.

The Illusion of Control

The story of the Epiphany tells us, we can choose how we show up where we show up. We can choose to bestow our gifts on the ones who might least expect our generosity. We can let go of trying to control the people and events around us, and instead work on being present to the surprising presence of God in each moment. Even in a week as frustrating as this one.

What road will we choose?

I’ve heard a lot of talk this week about the need to work for “peace.” I’ve heard a number of elected officials and church leaders call for reconciliation. I’m not praying for either of those yet. I’m not. One of the prayers our Prayer Book asks God to help us “fearlessly contend against evil and make no peace with oppression.”
I’m not praying for reconciliation. I’m praying for conversion. I believe we need conversion before we can talk about peace.