A Personal Psalm (Part 1)
Nina Warriner of Bath, NY, USA
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creation. -James 1:17-18
What does it mean to be “first fruits of God’s creation”? God not only cares for each person, but also walks with each person through the heartache and struggles of life. God knows each one intimately. It is as if God, as a loving parent, is saying to each of us:
“Dear Child,
“I’m giving you a gentle heart. We need more of those in the world. But I know that with a gentle heart comes potential for great heartache. Your heart will feel deeply for others. Do not mistake this for weakness. Know that the ache in your heart is My heart aching through you. You will not understand why everyone does not feel this pain as you do. Trust in My plan for diversity in the world. Diversity will one day bring about unity when all of you, my children, realize that you need each other-that you are interdependent with one another.
“Meanwhile diversity will cause great conflict. This conflict may cause division in families, friendships, communities. Perspectives are multifaceted. Because you will feel deeply, you will be able to see this. Help open people’s eyes. Teach one another to listen and feel for one another.
“When my children begin to empathize with one another, you will catch glimpses of Me. In listening to one another, you will begin to learn about Me.
“Being still is challenging but it allows patience to grow. Each of you can find me-inside, throughout, within, around. When you begin to grasp the vastness that I am, you will begin to see that I dwell within you, around you, and throughout all of creation. You will begin to understand that you are all my wonderfully and beautifully created children in which my Spirit dwells.”
Prayer Phrase
“Be vulnerable to divine grace” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 163:10b).
Spiritual Practice
This month, spend time each day noticing where divine grace is already pouring forth. Perhaps it is a simple awareness of creation’s systems and cycles that support our daily existence. The sun rises each day without being asked. There are underlying rhythms and relationships that hold the fabric of our lives together. Sometimes they fall into the background of our lives. We forget to see the natural generosity that spills over throughout our days-of the planet, the people we love, the Sacred Presence in all moments, the kindness of strangers we encounter, and the gifts we carry within. What is already being given in your life? What does it look like to be vulnerable to divine grace today?
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.
