One Minute Reflection
Two Devotionals
The Seeking Heart – Fenelon
This devotional is a compilation of short letters from Fenelon, a late 17th century Catholic bishop, to a lady who he mentored. The letters exude depth and grace while being utterly practical about how to grow in faith.
Here and Now – Henri Nouwen
Here and Now is a compilation of excerpts from the many other books Nouwen wrote over decades in the late 20th century. Nouwen is particularly insightful on being reflective and on developing an intimate relationship with God.
Three Quotes
“I have discovered that all human evil comes from this, man’s being unable to sit still in a room.” Blaise Pascal
Comment – We have a unique opportunity these days to learn how to be by ourselves. We will either receive this gift or resist it. When this crisis passes, will we be stronger or unaffected?
“To be significant, all you have to do is make a difference with others wherever you are, with whatever you have, day by day.” from “Intentional Living: Choosing a Life That Matters” by John C. Maxwell
Comment – Our circumstances change every day. The call for today is “wherever you are.” Whether in your home, at work, in busyness, or without anything to do – wherever you are, choose to make a difference. Don’t wait for the crisis to pass. Now is the time to step up.
“Destructive anxiety subtracts God from the future, faces uncertainties with no faith, tallies up the challenges of the day without entering God into the equation.” Max Lucado
Comment – No comment needed!
Four Suggestions for Flourishing in Crisis
Make a Change – What disruptive change has become a part of your new routines that you want to make permanent? A daily walk? Time to read? Reaching out to someone in need? Less TV? More conversation with family? Games? Use this disruption, this unwelcome tearing from our ruts to come out better on the other side.
Touch without Touching – Find new creative ways to touch those you love without touching. Revive phone calls. Send a text encouragement. Pray for others.
Give Generously – If you are able, support those who are struggling with a cheerful spirit and generous hand. Order a meal from a struggling restaurant. Pay someone who is unable to work for you because of social distancing. Have groceries delivered for a friend.
Lean into Hope – Spend extra time in quiet building your reserves of hope. Lean into that hope. Be positive, because God has not gone to sleep (Ps. 121). He is working, even in the adversity and trials so many of us are facing. Trust in Him.
News
Be on the lookout for the first new podcast episode of Renovations! Coming in April.
My first book, Space to Breathe Again: Hope for the Overloaded and Overwhelmed is off to press and scheduled for September 2020.
