Prompt thought of the week:
Oftentimes we believe that we must “deserve” the love we receive. We work, work, work to get approval and to feel like our life is justified — pulling our own weight, thinking that whatever life we create and love we get is only what we ourselves can conjure up. But the scriptures today offer the image of God as our “keeper” — always helping, always present. Nicodemus has followed all the rules and done everything HE can do, and yet he is still looking for love — for tangible connection with God. Jesus says that he must be born “of the Spirit.” It’s not all up to simply “doing the right thing!” It is about allowing the Spirit to help birth love in our lives.
I inherited my dad’s “fix-it” mindset. It really works for a lot of things—troubleshooting and resolving mechanical, literary, scheduling, household chores, etc., etc. It doesn’t work very well when dealing with emotions and interpersonal relationships. Sometimes you need to just listen and let it be….not my forte. Then how do I help others?
Pastor Marylee reminded us about how to do this not long ago: “Just love them.” Both Psalm 121 and this passage from John 3: 1-17 affirm that God “just loves us.” Given the state of humanity (and the tragedy that befell Jesus), this is MUCH easier said than done! But, the results can be amazing, as in this example from my change in attitude toward my sibling (“just love her”): after a very contentious relationship our whole lives, my older sister now says “I love you” as we say goodbye on the phone/in person. What an unexpected gift! (This could apply to Week 6 “Look for the Unexpected!)
Often, when I’m nervous about performing/leading/confronting intense situations, I ask God to give me calmness, focus and help in conveying what I’m trying to share. Invoking a “Higher Power” helps me feel centered, putting all my energy toward the tasks at hand. At those times (and especially after), I know God is present in my life, inspiring me to do my best, working through me to make a difference.
Prayer for today: O God, be my helper in times of joy and pain, to let Your love show through my life. Amen
Ellen Patterson