Empathy

Sometimes God, empathy can be such a gift. When we share our experiences with others it allows us to feel their pain and sorrow and know their grief or joy. Our hearts connect in a unique way when we know what they are going through.

But sometimes God it is so painful! To relive those difficult times, to feel our insides twist and contract with the re-imagining of those moments. And to know the road they are heading down. It is hard God!

I know that empathy is a gift you give us, to inform us as we attempt to be your reflection here on earth, to have your eyes and heart and to touch others with your love. But it is a mixed blessing Lord and a burden to bear.

You have promised to help us bear our burdens. I am counting on that right now, as always.

Heartaches

My heart aches again God. I know you are there for me and I know you want to share my burdens, but right now I don't feel that presence the way I want to. My burdens feel heavy and I don't see the light at the end of this tunnel. And I feel guilty for having an aching heart when my blessings are many.

Help me to feel your presence Lord. I long for your touch and I need your arms around me. I want to know you're there. I believe it, but I want to feel it. Just like Thomas I want to touch your wounds and know you are real.

Forgive my lack of faith Lord. And guide me out of the dark.

Scripture - the gift that keeps on giving...

When I am discouraged and feel the slings and arrows of the world, I find comfort in your words. Thank you Lord.

Deuteronomy 3:22
Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.

Helpless

Sometimes the most difficult times are the ones where we have no choices. Lord, what do we do when there's nothing to be done?

Watching people die, seeing loved ones suffer, observing things that can only turn out badly - God how  are we supposed to help? What are we supposed to do when there is nothing to do?

I think it's those times that are the most frustrating God. I want to help. I want to intervene. I want to say the right thing. And I can't do anything.

Dear God help me to deal with not being able to deal.

Beauty all around

There is something about the autumn God. There is something about the beauty in the leaves and the crisp fresh air. I feel renewed and I feel alive in the autumn.

How is it that you created a world where death can be so beautiful? I think this was a not-so-well hidden message, wasn't it Lord? We are people who need visual lessons and we need to see things in ways we can comprehend. Perhaps that death can be beautiful and is not the end, but only a process leading to a new beginning.  I see it in the fall God. And your creation tells the story.

Everywhere I look you are God. In the golds, reds, and yellows of the leaves. And in the glory of the season where we prepare for the dark and cold of winter, only to re-emerge in the joy of another spring.

Your creation teaches us if only we are willing to learn from it.

Peace

"Be at peace with all men". That's something my mother used to quote from the Bible all the time. So I have tried to live that God. And I wonder, how is it exactly we're supposed to do that?

I mean, we can do all the good things in the world, and one person can come along and lie about you, or try to cheat you, or do any one of a number of things....none of which are deserved...so how are we supposed to keep peace with them exactly? How is it possible to keep peace with someone who wants to be at war?

Its an age old dilemma. Some people want war. Some people don't want to be at peace with anyone. And we're told to be at peace with them.

Some things are really hard to understand God...

People

Dear God your people exasperate me! Why is it that people - humans created in your image - can be so toxic? I see them being divisive and evil! I cringe when they cause strife and stress among others. It saddens me when a single one can become the agent for discourse and heartache for many others.

Why is this God? Why are we such horrible creatures? How can beings that are yours, and especially ones who claim your grace, be so? I seek to know Lord. I need your wisdom God. I need to see how we can overcome and prevail. I know....with your strength we can do all things. But why should we have to? Why can't you just keep your children under more control?

Oh well. I suppose we can only look forward to the day that evil is vanquished. I long for it now God, when people are such a discouraging factor in life. Even so Lord, come!