Open Your Eyes

On a recent flight to Seattle, WA, I had "plenty" of time to watch the movie, "The Blindside."  It was my second time seeing this story.  Near the end of the movie, Leigh Ann asks Michael, "how did you live through the distractions of Hurt Village (housing project in Memphis, TN)?"  He replied, "easy."  His mama would tell him to close his eyes when stuff was happening, and then she would count to three.  He continues, "then she would tell me that when you open your eyes the past is gone and the world is a good place, and it's all going to be OK."  

Perhaps I didn't completely miss this part the first time around, but I surely heard it differently this time.  Maybe it is because my Women's Sabbath group has been trying since mid-January to find rest and renewal in our busy lives.  Everyday we challenge ourselves to practice Sabbath.

Sabbath can be sitting alone in a patch of grass, a walk on the beach, preparing a family meal (OK, that's a stretch for me), or lighting a candle.  But when we can't do these things, maybe it is as simple as Michael's mama said..."Closing your eyes, and then opening them to realize the world IS a good place!"  Often times we tend to focus on all of the distractions and things going wrong in our lives.  That's easy to do.  However, when we take time to stop, look, and listen to the world around us, we realize we are constantly blessed by the steadfast love of God.

Imagine that quiet place and listen to the still, small voice saying, "Be still and know that I am God."  Everything is going to be alright.  

March Madness

The liturgical calendar of Lent always coincides with the NCAA College Basketball's March Madness. Recently, my 88 year old mother and I were watching a game and she commented on the size of the crowd. "Wouldn't a preacher love to have that many in church on Sunday?" Despite the havoc dementia has wreaked on her mind, she was spot on with that observation. Similarly, years ago, my father(now deceased) became agitated with members of his congregation who complained when the church service "ran long." He was old in years, but wise in counsel when he said, "at a ballgame we cheer for it to go into overtime! While at church, we become irritated with OT. "

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy basketball, March Madness, college crowds
and overtime, but like my parents I wish the church was the recipient of this same passion and desire that drives the NCAA Tournament.



Good luck to the Lady Jaguars in your quest for a 3A NC State Title!