Finding Joy on a Detour
Meghan Gray of Blue Springs, MO, USA
Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace-
in peace because they trust in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for in the LORD GOD
you have an everlasting rock. -Isaiah 26:3-4
Last summer, my family and I went on a camping trip. An hour into our journey, we discovered the campsite had no water for bathing or drinking. It didn’t seem feasible to stay somewhere without drinking water for a whole weekend, so we tried to switch our reservation.
Unfortunately, it was fraught with problems. Where were we going to stay for the night? What were we going to do? This journey was not turning out the way we had hoped!
Sometimes that’s the way it is in our spiritual and religious lives, too. The best laid plans and our best intentions are crushed, and we’re left to pick up the pieces.
Many people felt that way last year when in-person gatherings had to be canceled due to COVID-19. In my own congregation, church suddenly stopped on March 13. After two months of nothing, we courageously tried a virtual worship. What a blessing to see each other and share in spiritual growth together!
Nonetheless, some folks continue to complain about online church. No, it’s not the same as in-person gatherings (I miss them, too). However, it is more beneficial to focus on the positives of this new journey, like the new people we’ve connected with, the guest ministers joining us from far away, and lack of need to create bulletins or PowerPoints.
And most importantly, we’ve kept all our members safe during a pandemic.
Even on this strange social-distancing journey, we must continue asking ourselves the guiding question, “Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?” Are we keeping our eyes open to see the God-moments along the way? What is God teaching us in this moment on this journey? How is God asking us to be more present, to be more adaptable, to focus on what is most important for the journey ahead?
My family and I had a God-moment on our camping trip because of the loss of a campsite. We suddenly realized we were close to our uncle’s house and were inspired to call him. They welcomed us with open arms! This detour that started full of stress and worry turned into a memorable blessing where connections were strengthened and renewed. The same thing could be happening on your own journey. Are you paying attention along the route?
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Gospel Contemplation (John 3:1-8)
Each week during Lent, you are invited to pray with a different gospel story from the life of Christ. Use your senses and imagination to enter the text. Allow it to come to life in you, observing details, noticing interactions, even engaging in dialogue. Notice where you find yourself in the story and how you feel about what is happening. Notice what it evokes in you or invites of you. Take time to journal or enter silent prayer to reflect
on your experience and to sense where the Spirit may be leading you through this scriptural encounter.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
