God Loves You!

Yesterday as I took a walk I listened to a reflection on the app “Pray As You Go”. This is a great app to use while you are driving, heading into the office, or taking a quick break. The segment I listened to instructed me to “Imagine God looking upon you with great love: ‘You are my Beloved, says the Lord, precious in my eyes.’ How does it feel to hear those words spoken to you?  Take a moment to recognize how precious, important, and significant you are to the Lord. God delights in you.”

The day was already warmed by the sun, and as I listened to these words, I felt enveloped in God’s love, as warm and real as the sunshine against my skin. It made me stop and think about all the people in my life who have helped me know this truth of God’s love for me: family members, Sunday School teachers, friends, pastors, colleagues, strangers in the check-out line, the person sitting next to me on a flight…I give thanks for all these and so many more who, when I had forgotten my own significance and worth, helped me remember that God delights in me.

In the course of my ministry, my heart has been broken too many times when I have encountered people who never had someone tell them that God loves them with a love that will never let them go. They were never assured that they have a friend in Jesus. No one took the time to help them experience God’s love for them, that they are precious in God’s sight.

Who has helped you know you matter to God, and that you are loved by wildly generous God? Give thanks for those precious souls!

And who are you helping to know God’s love? Every encounter is an opportunity—by your actions and words—to be a vessel of God’s love. May you be a wellspring of that love!

 

On Eagle's Wings

This summer has been spent in deep prayer and discernment. It has been forty years since I began serving as a clergywoman in The United Methodist Church. This coming year will be my last before retirement.

 

I have listened for God’s voice as I have asked, “How can I serve well in this last year? What should I focus on? How can I bring my best self to all matters and relationships?” I opened myself up to the pain I carry, having broken a stained-glass ceiling. I have felt anger rise up in me about the lies that have been said about me that encouraged people to seek disaffiliation. And my heart was filled with so much joy as I thought of all the people I have been blessed to serve and be in ministry with.

 

In the sacred silence, as I listened for God’s still, small voice, I was aware I was not alone. Every morning, as I prayed on the deck, eagles would keep me company. Not one, not two, but a whole nest! I felt comforted knowing I was not alone in the space, as I sought discernment about the future.

 

Seven years ago, when I was overwhelmed by the threats, hatred and condemnation that I received after my election as bishop, Robin and I came to Nova Scotia to visit my uncle. We went for a drive and as I was driving, I began to cry silent tears. I just didn’t think I had the strength to go on as bishop. I love this ministry, I love the people of the Mountain Sky, and I love The United Methodist Church, but I just didn’t think I could take one more step. I felt empty and scared.

 

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something coming towards us. It was an eagle! It flew right past my window and then flew ahead of me, directly at eye level, and led me as I drove for a couple of miles! And then, without me touching my phone, this song from my playlist began to play:

 

Hold me close

Let Your love surround me

Bring me near

Draw me to Your side.

And as I wait

I'll rise up like the eagle

And I will soar with You

Your Spirit leads me on

In the power of Your love.

 

(from The Power of Your Love by Geoff Bullock. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jZ_ZkMYUsc)

 

It was in that moment that I knew God was with me, and with power and grace would give me what I needed to serve faithfully. When I returned home after that visit, I felt God’s strength empowering me and guiding me.

 

How right, in this last summer of active ministry, God provides me with companions to remind me of God’s presence and power. Mick Jagger sang it best: “We don’t always get what we want, but we get what we need.”

 

This summer, I received a blessing I didn’t even know I needed. I am returning to the Mountain Sky with joy and anticipation of all that is before us, knowing that in all things, we will be lifted up on the wings of the Holy Spirit.

 

Let’s do this!