Last night 150 pastors and lay leaders gathered at Christ the Redeemer for a conference wide dinner. Bishop Eaton led a bible study based upon the well known passage in St. Paul's letter to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 13) The passage poetically and clearly reminds the church for all time that no gift or ability has lasting value -- what lasts is the love that is expressed through that gift.
The love to which St. Paul refers is the deep love of and for God, and the love "we" have for others. When the fundamental intention of any activity (like worship, study, fellowship or service) is to be more loving or to become more loving, the effect of the activity radiates outward. With love at the center of our prioritized choices for the day, we communicate Christ's presence to everyone, in every place, in every situation.
So... several questions can assist in planning a typical day:
Which of my abilities seems to be most required as I look at my obligations for the day? (if you don't know your spiritual "gift", contact me to discuss how to discover it -- pczarnota@crlcbrecksville.org )
What activities for today seem MOST difficult? These activities will provide you an opportunity to lean more completely upon God's help. You may want to pray for God's loving presence in the midst of that activity, OR you may see this as an opportunity to ask for assistance from somebody. Remember, when we are willing to be vulnerable and ask for help, we are actually serving others by giving them opportunities to serve us!
How and with whom can I use my gift in a way that is selfless and compassionate?
At the end of the day, take time to reflect upon moments when you experienced God's loving presence. Look at the rhythms of your emotions, the kinds of connections you had with people and creation.
Reap the benefits and blessings of love -- whenever you do, you are receiving a glimpse of what is eternal!
3 comments:
This is a wonderful way to use computer time. Thank you!
I think this is a great idea and I look forward to going online and being inspired each day. I especially love the fact that this is one venue that has such immediacy,e.g., responding in thought and prayer to a newsworthy occurence such as VTech.
Susan
What a blessing this is! Whenever I need to hear Pam's voice reminding me to breathe, be still, listen. . . I can come here and "hear" it! Thank you so much for sharing her with the world!
Post a Comment