Reflection... living into who the Creator created me to be

This week has been a week of more reflection than normal (it seems).  There have been several devotions I've read, one my husband sent to me, quotes I've seen on social media, songs I've heard, and things I've read in books that have had me thinking. 

I have been reconnecting with some friends over the past few weeks and that has been a blessing.

Also, as we came into the month of September, I found myself beginning to think about my dear friend Leila who passed away suddenly last September 7th.  Leila's unexpected passing last September was the beginning of a year full of deaths.  As is the case for many people that have gone on, I still miss Leila and think of her often.  I am reminded of her as I look at the icon she gave me that sits in my office, when I wear the red cross, and when I walk the labyrinth at Burks UMC. 

In my reflection time yesterday, I realized once again how grateful I am for The Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation. God used both a 5 Day Academy in 2010 in TN and the bilingual 2 Year Academy (#32) to meet me where I was and to take me along the journey to a place where I am more my true self, more whole, and living more into who God created me to be.  Without the rhythm of the 2 year Academy, I don't think I would be where I am today in ministry or life.  It strengthened me, gave me encouragement and affirmation through the community, structure, teachings, and rhythms.  I am grateful to have been able to go on that journey, especially while in seminary working on the M.Div. 

Here are some of the reflections from the week that have been on my heart and mind:

There have been nuggets of truth and encouragement throughout the week from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  From September 2-- "Living in dependence on Me is a glorious adventure."  From September 3-- "Let the dew of My Presence refresh your mind and heart."  "As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so My Presence revitalizes you as you sit quietly with Me."  "A refreshed, revitalized mind is able to sort out what is important and what is not."  From September 4--"In the intimacy of My Presence, you are energized."

On Friday (September 4), Riley forwarded a devotion to me from Every Man Ministries on crosswalk.com.  It was about Jesus being rich in sacrifice and how Jesus sacrificed time, energy, effort, and comfort in order to connect with people.   I included a link to this devotion because so much of it spoke to me.  I hope you'll take a few moments and click on the link and check it out for yourself.

Yesterday I heard a new song (for me) by Casting Crowns on 91.5 Family Radio, "Just Be Held".  As I listened to the lyrics, I found many of them to resonate with life-- mine or others.  "Your world's not falling apart; it's falling into place."  It turns out that the song was written in 2013.  How have I not heard it until now?!?!

Lyrics:

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held
If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will
And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands
Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go

As I continue to live into the weekly rhythm of studying, preaching, going into community, seeking to know the people in the three churches to which I've been appointed and to get to know the community in which they live and worship, I know that the only way I can live into my calling is for me to keep making time to stop, be still, to spend time with God, to be re-energized and refilled.  Being able to hear and listen to the One Voice is more important than ever because I'm not just living my life as a follower, but also as a leader.  In order to lead well, I need to listen well. 

Two final things. 

Before I preached this morning's double header at Flintstone UMC and Simpson UMC, I was at the Flintstone rock church (which is in the Ripley's Believe It or Not records) and opened the front doors and took a look up at Lookout Mountain.  As I gazed upon that majestic view, the words of the Psalmist came to mind: Psalm 121:1-2--"I lift up my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? ² My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

As I drove home today, I saw a scene in the clouds that reminded me of a smiley face.  Upon further inspection when I got home, it looks more like a bow tie underneath than a mouth.  You can use your own imagination. 

May you live into who the Creator has created you to be and may you be open to listening to the Creator's voice along the way.
 
Blessings on your journey, 

Debra