Dearly Beloved,
Our image for "Midweek Message" pretty much looks exactly like what I see outside my window. More than a dusting of snow lies on the ground, and large flakes flurry onto the ground. Branches sway and every now and then a gust of wind sweeps the snow into a cloud. It is beautiful. And cold. School has been canceled so my children are at home, and Darryl and I are sharing the task of looking after them while the other parent gets some work done.
Today I am feeling deeply the invitation to slow down. To pause. To be reflective and playful and not just productive. How often, I wonder, does productivity get in the way of God's true work? Yesterday, as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot, a car was about to drive through to the spot I had hoped to take. Seeing me, the driver reversed, leaving room for us both to park across from each other. As we went into the store, I took the time to thank him. "It's just the right thing to do," he told me. And he's right. Yet how often, do we fail to do the right thing because we are in a hurry or because it's less convenient or reduces our productivity?
The store was busy with people purchasing last-minute items to ensure they had them for the snow storm. I watched as the person at the front of the line purchased about $25 worth of groceries for the man immediately in front of me. He looked a bit down on his luck, but his face lit up when he realized what had happened. "That never happens! Thank you!" I heard him exclaim. It was clear that being able to pay for these groceries had meant as much to the giver as the receiver.
I'm grateful as I'm invited to slow down. To reflect on what is the "right thing to do." To be inspired as I watch those around me doing just that. As I hear you all share about your journeys of transformation. Sara Gardner 2 weeks ago, talking about Jesus' presence through employment uncertainty. Heather Jackson's testimony about the near-death car accident that she walked away from. Linda Greaves talking about her experience with her son Sam through No Mas Muertes on the Arizona Border. I am reminded how little we know about the journeys that the people around us have walked -- about the uncertainty, suffering and loss they have endured or witnessed and their resilience, faithfulness and courage through it all.
I hope you will slow down today. To listen to the sound of snow falling, to the voices of people/pets you love, to music. To read or write. To simple be present to your body, mind and Spirit and to the God who dwells in this world and in each of us.
With much love and peace,
Thandiwe
