March 4, 2010

DEVOTION: A Thousand Sharp Slivers

By Beth Bondurant

Bad habits are hard to break and sometimes it takes a loud bang to bring one's attention to a growing problem.

Stacking my corning wear... well, actually just pushing it back into the cabinet in random clearing... resulted in overloaded glass bake wear zipping out of the shelving onto the floor... causing the unfortunate breakage of one of my favorite into a thousand sharp slivers of glass.

Wisdom would have taken the time to properly deal with each individual platter... diverting the crisis... and minimizing "clean up".

In our culture of hectic schedules... we race from one activity to another responsibility without "taking time to be holy".

Whispering a prayer ... acknowledging the Presence... breathing in the power of peace is God gifted... continually our faith option... constantly available... yet we wait until life breaks into a thousand sharp slivers before we "remember".

"The Lord is my strength, I shall not panic. God helps me relax and rest in quiet trust. God reminds me that I am beloved and restores my serenity. God leads me in my decisions and gives me calmness of mind.

God's presence is peace.
Even though I walk through the valley of fear of failure... I will not worry, for God will be with me. God's truth, grace and loving kindness will stabilize me. God prepares release and renewal in the midst of my stress.

God anoints my mind with wisdom...my cup overflows with fresh energy. Surely goodness and mercy will be communicated through me... for I shall walk in the strength of my Lord, and dwell in God's presence forever. Amen." (Psalm 23)

Today... remember you are God's beloved... and claim God's promise of presence and peace.