ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
June 17, 2021
Scripture: Psalm 1:3
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
Thought for the Day: Rumi, the great 13th century poet, asked the question: “Why are you so enchanted by this world when a mine of gold lies within you?” I remember sitting with a group of delightful people at a restaurant who were all griping about the meal. It wasn’t the best meal in the world, but we were utterly consumed by the food that had failed to measure up. Yet my thought later that night was about the time and joy lost as we focused on the irrelevant. I was sitting at a table with people whose lives bore so much fruit, yet none of us really took the time to feast on the plethora of life and goodness so readily available. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good meal. And good food has always brought people together. Yet even when it falls short of our expectation, it should not impact the gifts contained within the lives of others. There is so much life, goodness, love, joy, compassion and wisdom found in the people around us, but how often does the irrelevant capture our attention at the expense of the mine of gold that lies within reach.
Prayer: So many amazing and life-filled gifts surround me, O Lord, yet my heart can be captured by a handful of superficial and meaningless happenings. Let me enter this day with my full attention on the way your presence is reflected in the lives of a great multitude. It is there that I shall feast on what is truly life-giving. Amen.
