Detachment

Today’s reading for the Jesse tree tradition is Genesis 12: 1-3 – Abraham’s call to leave everything behind including land and family. The idea that God would call this one human being to leave everything behind to travel to an unknown place speaks to me of detachment.

This verse also reminds me of the Gospel reading for the second Sunday of Advent (Matthew 3:1-12). There we read about John the Baptist warning the Pharisees and Sadducees to not presume to say “we have Abraham as our father. For God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”

I think it’s easy sometimes to view the Bible as a novel with interesting characters. Most of those “characters” seem so un-relatable. Take Abraham for example. He left every familiar thing behind and almost sacrificed his son for God. Can we honestly say we’d be willing to do the same thing? While he may seem un-relatable, Abraham was not some fictitious character. He was real and his faith was real. In fact, God calls us to a deep faith like Abraham’s as well. A faith that calls us to step out of our comfort zone and attachments in order to realize our purpose and God’s plan for our lives.

PURPOSE

This weekend’s Gospel reminds us that we were fearfully and wonderfully made ON PURPOSE! Therefore we cannot claim Abraham’s deep faith and accomplishments for ourselves. We have to put our own faith to work and that work must be focused on bearing fruit for the greater glory of God! Purpose and detachment – that’s how today’s reading speaks to me. Can you relate? God bless you!

GET THEE BEHIND

NOT TODAY! “Back to the hospital with dad! Keep getting punched in the gut. Attempted distractions and joy killers! Not today!” This is the text I sent this morning after I realized what was happening. The past several months have been a test of my joy for sure. Between numerous hospital visits with both parents, caregiving and loss, I had an epiphany this morning – they’re all distractions to keep me from the projects I’m currently working on. They’re all attempts to steal my joy and make me think I don’t have the time or the chops to actually move forward with my projects. All attempts to stop me in my tracks.

STAY HOPEFUL

Today’s verse in the Jesse tree tradition is Genesis 6:5-8 and the story of Noah. When I read the verse my first thought was hope. First, because it reminded me that I can make a difference no matter how small I feel in a world which seems out of control. Second, because it made me realize that there’s always something positive to glean from even the most challenging, difficult or depressing situation we find ourselves in. The only difference between a joyful, happy moment and a sad, challenging one is the amount of time and energy we put into seeing the positive. The question for us then becomes how much work are we willing to put in to maintaining our joy?

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

As I drove back from the hospital today, I contemplated what I would write about when I got home. The Holy Spirit really spoke to my heart about finding joy in everything, NO MATTER WHAT! So I started thinking about the past few months and where the joy was in taking unpaid leave from a lucrative job, visiting my sick dad at the hospital, rushing mom to the emergency room or euthanizing my pet. What I came up with was: I get to spend quality time with my parents, I have the privilege of helping them get their affairs in order and getting them the services they need as they age. I get to be present for them. I also have the opportunity to practice trust in and surrender to God – to put my money where my mouth is! Am I faithful or do I just believe? In euthanizing my pup, I got to show mercy and true love. I gave him peace. So, despite all the “stuff” I’ve been through and all the tough decisions I’ve had to make, I find and continue to choose JOY!

FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE

God chose joy too! The story of Noah is definitely about the power of one. It’s also about finding that “diamond in the rough” and not allowing negativity to control your thoughts and actions. In the story of Noah, just like in the creation story, God sets the example. So don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy! There’s always something positive to take away from the darkness and challenges of life! Stay awake and walk with Him! God bless you!

P.S. – check out FOR KING AND COUNTRY’s song JOY here. I know I’ve posted this in the past but thought it was perfect to share with this post.