Linda Rogers
Church of the Epiphany, Clarks Summit
Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline Your ear to me, and save me.
Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually.
Psalm 71:2-3a
I like to think I am an optimist and a planner. I have contingency plans in the back of my mind at most times. As long as we’re enumerating my perfections, I’m flexible and creative. And then I have a day like today in which I was never quite sure what was happening, when, or where! Add to all the above the fact that I learned about some challenges to the Pygmy Ministry which appear to be totally out of our control.
When I look back at what I have written I find there are way too many “I” statements in the reflection. Perhaps that is the problem. I want to be the one in control. I want to find the solutions. Then it’s easy to be optimistic and flexible and creative!
When I re-read all of Psalm 72 I find the Psalmist desires to escape adversaries. Perhaps my adversaries – adversary – is myself! In my cry for deliverance, I need to ask God to deliver me from my self-righteousness and desire to control. I pray that tomorrow I seek God and open my heart and mind to solutions that don’t have to come from me. Have I invited God to be on this pilgrimage with me? Opening Heart and Mind: Well, I obviously didn’t remember this Ministry is not about ME! In my frustration I shut my heart and mind and wallowed in my despair. Worst of all, I dis–connected! What opportunities did I miss? What was God telling/showing me today?
(Photos: Students at recess; in class; teachers on break)