One Faith. Above all, through all, in all.
When the righteous cry for help,
the Lord hears,
And rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34: 17-18
Rhonda sits in her office waiting for the call from the front desk reporting the new client on her appointment calendar has arrived. Working as a counselor for more than twenty-five years, she still is a bit anxious each time a new person is scheduled to meet with her. Rhonda always reminds herself to take time, listen with her heart, make no assumptions, show respect and wonder…to always wonder with curiosity and openness.
Over time this work has changed her, it has opened her heart to judge less and care more. As one colleague writes at the end of each email, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Rhonda recognizes this holy experience of being with people vulnerable enough with her to share with her their own battle, whatever that may be. Rhonda longs to be kind.
When asked how she is able to do this work day after day, Rhonda muses. I dare ride the monsters deep because I believe there is life on the other side. Rhonda trusts this truth as revealed to her through the stories of Jesus. After the passion and death of Good Friday, the quiet transforming cocoon of Holy Saturday, the gift of Easter resurrection always comes. Always.
Joining the ride of monsters breaks her heart. Seeing new life affirms her faith.
Breathprayer:
Breathing in: God’s faithfulness…
Breathing out:…abides in love.
Reflection: What monsters have your ridden deep to find new life on the other side?
Lenten Reflection for Saturday, March 30, 2019. This is written for the Daily Online Devotion of the Southeast Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American.
www.seiasynod.org/lent