Eastertide April 8, 2015

Scripture Reading: Psalm 133

How very good and pleasant it is
   when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
   running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
   running down over the collar of his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
   which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
   life for evermore.

Have you ever said, “I just wish everyone would get along.” There is nothing easy about relating to one another. It takes work. It takes forgiveness. It takes understanding. It takes fortitude to stand up for what you perceive to be right and flexibility to rethink and refocus when someone suggests perhaps a better way.

I do not know about you, but I work best with others when I am in synch with the Lord. Praying for and about someone with whom we seem to always clash is important. God can give us insight and understanding to which for whatever reason we may not be open. God can also give us patience when needed. It is a spiritual gift.

I was five when my paternal grandmother died. I do remember her as being loving and fun. I particularly remember sitting at her dressing table and having her powder my back with a big soft puff. My dad use to tell use that his mother prayed all the time. He would walk into the kitchen and hear her muttering what seemed to be to herself. He learned early on that she was praying. I think that is what praying without ceasing means. It is when the Lord is in every conversation we have giving us strength and guidance toward doing God’s will.

Prayer: Lord, help me include you in every conversation and when I seem to be running at full speed without you, remind me that I am not alone that you are running along beside me. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.