Spiritual Wisdom

Time has been passing so quickly. Two weeks left of the term and some how the days are just slipping away from me without much researching or writing getting done. Somehow it will all be completed though-of that I'm sure.

Last Saturday found me passing through an evening full of multiple emotional thoughts but luckily an old friend lent an ear. Somehow my original thoughts of the week, led to a continued introspective week, and finalized in my realization of the fact that who I am is currently changing-whether I want the change or not. On Sunday, God provided many answers to my concerns of last week through the songs, sermon, and community that I found during church.

The sermon itself talked about suffering-never an easy topic for a minister to preach about but one that seemed to solidify to me that God understood what I'd been thinking in terms of feeling guilty about others who have so little and who suffer through much. The crucial transition point of the sermon centered on changing our thinking from asking WHY suffering occurs and instead taking on the question of HOW we can go about easing suffering and creating change. That the reality is that suffering does occur but in one way or another God does much with it. We also can do much with it, to ease it, to demonstrate God's love to others.

The additional take home message from the service seemed to tell me to be patient during this time of waiting because in this moment God wants me to be learning, trusting, and depending. He will show me where to go from here when the appropriate time has come. We sang the final hymn- If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee. Perfect words for what I needed to hear.

This evening I attended a home community in my neighborhood based on a church I used to attend here in Portland. We shared "our stories" this evening in small groups and at first I always feel uncomfortable with this idea. I never feel that I have an "ah-ha" moment to share. However I also realized tonight that the journey of my life, the things I've thought about, supported through, and carried over the last few years all are aspects of my spiritual life as well. My life story is in fact my spiritual story and will continue to be. However it was nice to come together in community with others of similar interests in my neighborhood as well.

I hope each of you is having a calming and wonderful week!