Springtime
Evie Kalvelage of Independence, MO, USA
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. -Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 139:12 says, “even the darkness will not be dark to you. The night will shine like day. For darkness is as light to you.” It’s easy for me to accept the truth of this. God knows no bounds of space and time; God is omnipotent. Why would dark and light matter to God?
They make a huge difference for me. As darkness falls, I feel tired and anxious. I can’t figure out why darkness shuts me down and causes fear and uneasiness. Since I can’t see well enough to drive at night, I have to be home between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. in the dead of winter.
I numb myself with mindless TV. Sometimes I read, but by evening my brain usually isn’t willing to do much. I talk myself into believing that darkness justifies giving in to the call of my recliner.
I celebrate the winter solstice, imagine plants coming to life under the frozen soil, and give myself a pep talk. We’re headed toward spring. Daylight savings time gives me a longer leash. I feel renewed. More energy comes with no effort. My new curfew expands to 7:30 or later.
Though I’m grateful for electric lights, they don’t offer the hope and joy of sunshine for me. I know much good comes from darkness. Bulbs and seeds burst forth from their places of darkness under the earth. Babies come from the darkness of wombs.
1 John 1:5 tells me, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” Longer spring days awaken me to seek God’s light in my soul despite the length of each day. Numbers 6:25 says, “The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” I will seek God’s face and dispel the darkness.
Prayer Phrase
In God we all belong.
Spiritual Practice
Sustaining Our Connections
Many find themselves isolated around the world to protect each other and the most vulnerable during this global pandemic. Spend time prayerfully imagining those people that you might normally come into contact with on a regular basis, known and unknown. Remember all the connections that sustain our lives each day. Even in this time of intentional separation, how are you experiencing deep, intrinsic belonging in God?
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.
