There are certain days and times of the year that cause us to reflect on our lives and to think about what is really important. Several years ago on my 80th birthday I reflected on all the projects I had planned but realized I probably never would live long enough to complete.
Then there the books I still wanted to read and probably would never have enough time to read. Stubbornly, of course, what else would you call a Finn, I continue to buy books, although not at the pace I once did. Looking at the closet of clothes, I did unload two armfuls of clothing to the local thrift shop, and then there’s the basement.
We are so often trapped by our material possessions, and I’m no better than anyone else, for sure. It really hits me when I see pictures of people who have lost their homes due to storms, tornados, or war. At that point I ask myself what is really important, and the answer is the love we share with others.
Prayer for the Day
God of light, enter into the dark recesses of our souls,
For we hide even from ourselves our fears or despair;
Enter into us, opening to us the vision of your love,
To the possibilities of what we can be as your disciples.
Enable us to move beyond our blindness to your healing love,
Expanding our vision to the demands of your Gospel,
In the name of the One who is our Guide,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
My trouble is that I always try to save everything/old clocks and calendars/expired words buried in open graves/But hoarded grains of sand keep shifting as rivers redefine boundaries and seasons
Naomi Long Magdett, American poet (1923-2020)
The glory that goes with wealth is fleeting and fragile; virtue is a possession glorious and eternal.
Gaius Sallustius Crispus, Roman historian, politician (85-32 BCE)
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mathew 6: 19-21