From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Good Morning, Everyone! I am a little late with this week's meditation. I had too much going on yesterday. This meditation is really a reminder to myself. Please take good care of yourselves. Do try to find time to enjoy some recreation and Sabbath time. Remember, you are blessed and loved, so take time to open that gift.
Meditation
I woke up yesterday morning thinking I knew exactly how the day was going to unfold. I had a schedule and there was work to be done. However, when living with an older dog, one finds it is not uncommon to need to put your treasured schedule on hold. That was the case yesterday. Eventually, I decided that Jack might benefit from an earlier walk than I had planned. I was a little frustrated, but after walking only half a block, I noticed the neighbor's magnolia tree was blooming. As I admired an unfolding blossom, I felt the residue of my frustration slip away. I then realized that my morning felt askew, not because of the dog, but because I started the day with expectations.
I am currently leading a study of the Psalms, and we are intentionally reading not just the comforting Psalms, but also some of those that express anger, frustration, and despair. I believe the exploration of these Psalms may teach us to pray a little more honestly.
My experience this morning leads me to believe that some of the psalmists' sufferings were rooted in expectations. They were expecting life to be different, and they were pleading, and sometimes demanding that God do something to return life to what the psalmists believed to be good order. However, as we know, God is God, not a Pez dispenser. Sometimes we must accept the gift of the Spirit that is patience, and let life unfold as it will. God is always doing something new. I think that is why most Psalms end with gratitude or praise. Because the psalmist prayed honestly, there was room in the psalmist's heart for the mystery of God once more. Surely what we truly yearn for is to dwell in that sacredness that is so much more than we can imagine or control.
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
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AuthorsRev Sue Ann Yarbrough Archives
March 2022
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