Monday, April 18, 2011

What is Whose?

Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21

My friend Eric Folkerth was pondering the confluence of Tax Day, Earth Day, and Easter all in one week on facebook this morning. One commenter quoted the above scipture. Linking those two ideas together was a huge aha moment for me. Thinking about my week ahead and wondering what I would give to God that belongs to God.

The taxes thing is a done deal for us, for 2010 and first quarter 2011. But I asked myself what I will offer God in terms of caring for the gift we call earth, and in terms of worship during the busyness of this week. Will I take I offer my time to simply be in the presence of God, to pray, to read? Or, will I get caught up in the 102 details that need to be taken care of. Will I examine my reuse/recycle practices and see what long term change I could make, offering my effort to God?

Giving to God can mean offering to God, but it can also mean relinquishing. Will I relinquish all of the busyness, the special services, the fellowship meal to God? Allow room for the Spirit?

Only time will tell how I do on these things, but I have to feel like simply being aware is a start.

So, in your life/world,how do Earth Day and Easter fit into giving to God the things that are God's?

Friday, April 8, 2011

Love is Blind - Thank Goodness

A friend's facebook post about a loving act from her husband started my train of thought down the track. It may take some detours, but here we go.

All of us have been in or have watched someone in a relationship where we were blinded by love and couldn't see the flaws that seem so obvious to everyone else. Now, it's never healthy to turn a blind eye to harmful habits or abusive behavior, but there is a sense in which I am grateful that sometimes love is blind.

I am grateful that God sees past my flaws and shortcomings, to all that I am created to be.

I am grateful that my husband looks past so many things and keeps on being my partner in life and love.

I am grateful that my congregation watches me muddle through my first year as a pastor, overlooking my mistakes and inexperience.

In response to my "Love is blind" comment on my friend's facebook page, someone posted, "Love is gentle, love is kind." Perhaps Paul should have included, "Love is blind." in his description of the kind of love God calls us to in I Corinthians 13.

So today, I'm asking myself, "Where am I called to lovingly look past an unintentional slight or hurt, or some imperfection so that I can offer love to someone?"

How about you?