Lenten Nourishment: Meeting Ourselves in the Wilderness
This week will be centered around understanding our identities as God’s children
· Wednesday: You are loved
o The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jer 31:3
o Some of us come from loving homes, others of us felt that we always fell short. Take some time in your quiet reflection to allow this concept of God loving you always and drawing you close to the Divine Center with kindness.
· Thursday: You are special
o For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10
o There is no one else like you in the entire universe! Your combination of DNA has never occurred before and you are a unique combination of genes, environment and your personal history. As you walk in nature today, contemplate this concept. Know that you have a special role to play in the world. Meet with your friends in community and consider how they are special to you as well.
· Friday: You are cared for
o So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lords’ holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know the love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph 3:17-19.
o Do something today that reflects self care: choose to eat foods that are nourishing and wholesome, or take a bath in Epsom salts and listen to music that fills your self with a feeling of safety and support; spend time with friends that nourish you. Walk this morning with Friends hosted by Kathy Rhyne. See Upcoming Eventsfor details.
· Saturday: You are important
o But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises ofhe who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Pet 2:9
o As the population on this remarkable planet continues to increase, we can feel small and insignificant. That life itself formed on this planet is incredible and a miracle to contemplate. You are a part of something miraculous. Take some time during your meditation to consider a time when you helped someone else, offered a helping hand or just were present with another creature who needed you to be there. Invite them to be with you as you sit with this memory.
· Sunday: You are empowered
o I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13
o Have you ever felt that you were at the end of your rope or just didn’t have the resources to continue? Those are the times that we can lean of God to give us the power to keep going when it seems that we’ve run out of steam. The next situation that you find very challenging, remember this verse from Paul and trust that the Inner Light will provide the strength and resources that you need. Have Sunday evening meditation with Friends hosted by Bill Heitman. See Upcoming Events for details.
· Monday: You are family
o Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also member of his household. Eph 2:19
o Plan a dinner or social event with a member or members of your spiritual community. Take time to share your joys and concerns. Hold each other in the Light and soak in the love within this family that the Spirit has gathered for you.
· Tuesday: You are mine
o But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine”. Is 43:1
o We are coming to the end of the second week of Lent. The first week was an exploration of moving into the wilderness to seek an encounter with the Divine. This week’s intent was to consider that we are each unique, loved and valued by God.