ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 28, 2026
Amaka Imani Nkosazana is a poet and author, and I came across a quote from her. She wrote, “When God takes the trash out, don’t go digging back through it.” I don’t know about you, but I sort of need to hear that on a regular basis as I have been known to relitigate matters that should be left in the past. A few days ago, I was on a walk through the neighborhood, and the turkey vultures were out in force. In a couple of driveways, they had really gone to town on some people’s garbage. It was yucky. Thinking about that, I have no desire to be going through some of the garbage of my past. Some of it’s yucky, and in God’s grace, I have found mercy and peace… most of the time. Instead of digging back through the trash, maybe I need to spend time with God asking why I am so drawn to that past event? Maybe it has less to do with what could be found in the trash and more to do with why I am having a hard time showing myself a little love and kindness.
Sometimes we need to do some hard work with the past, yet more often, we need to work on ourselves right here in the present. In your immeasurable mercy and love, O Giver of all good gifts, I pray for the ability to work on those things that will truly bring health and well-being. Amen.
