Precious Moments
By Evelyn Richardson of Nauvoo, IL, USA
How blessed are they! For they published peace; they published good tidings of good; and they declared to the people that the Lord reigns. —Mosiah 11:207
We have seven grandchildren. I don’t always remember their ages, their birthdays, or what school grades they are in. Some call these “senior moments.” I look at them as a gift from God. I think of all moments as gifts from God.
God wants me to “stop and smell the roses,” to slow down my pace of living and enjoy all momentous blessings without worrying about details.
Each day is a gift from God. What shall we choose to do with them? May our hearts and minds be open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. Let us become instruments in God’s hands.
Community of Christ Sings 364 starts, “Lord, make us instruments.” Perhaps we could choose a phrase from the hymn to focus on today:
“Where there is sadness”—how can I spread God’s joy?
“Where there is darkness”—will I shine God’s light of hope?
“Where there is hatred”—do I sow the love of God?
“Walls of pride and prejudice”—can I take time to pray for reconciliation, healing, and peace?
—St. Francis of Assisi, adapt. Kirk and Deby Dearman, © 1993 Expressions of
Praise/Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Publishing
Let us not forget to take time to recognize our many blessings from God. I don’t think God has senior moments. God has not forgotten us.
Prayer for Peace
Your eye is on us, God. You don’t lose track of us even when we don’t know where we are on our spiritual journey. Be with us in our questioning. Help us go deeper than the trivial snares of our often shallow culture. Help us work for deep and lasting peace.
Spiritual Practice: Deepening Roots
A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will make as many moments of precious peace as I can.
