March 25, 2010
 
DEVOTION: Progress...
 
By Beth Bondurant
 
We have progressed closer towards the last week of the Lenten season... as Holy Week is coming soon.....
 
Seems like we want to progress "forward"... to let go of the past and experience each day with optimism and renewal.
 
We can see the results of progress all around... in new health methods and procedures.
 
Everyday a new type of technology comes with our on-line capabilities.
 
Foods that were never available at "this time of year" are prolific on grocery shelves.
 
More than abundant resources help keep our houses clean... warm.. dry... welcoming.
 
One God... one world... one people... are brought "together" in numerous ways.
 
Yet, we realize so many times we may take three steps forward... but fall two steps back in our progress.
 
We find our human frailties ... tumultuous relationships... disrespectful alliances... judgmental tendencies... fearful anxiety and unfruitful faith... reminds us of a prehistoric time before any progress was recorded.
 
How do we see our Lenten progress in relationship to God and to one another.
 
How far have we come to understanding sacrificial love and enduring faithfulness.
 
"God can do anything, you know... far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams. God does it ... not by pushing us around but by working within us... God's Spirit deeply and gently within us."
 
Oh God! May your Spirit move and progress in my heart, mind, body and soul... during these last Lenten days and weeks.