One Body. Above all. Through all. In all.
For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another Romans 12: 4W
On this first day of a new job, Julia feels stupid all over again. With so much to learn anew, so many people to meet, the unknowns take away the confidence with which she walked in the door that very morning. As she watches the work of the others and admires their gifts, her own sense of self fades. Inside she grows smaller and smaller.
As the day ends, her supervisor, Mary, asks everyone in Julia’s unit to come to a meeting. Introductions are made. Affirmations of accomplishments are highlighted stressing the importance of team work and mutuality.
In closing, Mary asks the team to gather in a circle. She begins a series of instructions. “Outstretch your hands in front of you. Turn your left hand upward and imagine it holds your doubts, need for help, the skills you do not have.” Julia’s left hand is heavy with the weight of it all.
“Now, turn the palm of your right hand downward. Within it imagine your gifts, talents, wisdom and strength.” Julia is grateful for the reminder for that which she too often diminished.
“Link hands, one with another, symbolically placing your needs into another’s gifts, your gifts into another needs.” Each person within the circle responds, holding hands.
Julia looks around and realizes she was not alone. Together, the team has what is needed to carry each other through. Together, Julia knows she will be ok.
Breathprayer:
Breathing in: Holy God…
Breathing out: …uniting all.
Reflection: What are the gifts you bring as you are part of a team working together for the reign of God?
This reflection is written for the Online Lenten Devotion of the Southeast Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American.
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