Count the Days (Mar 3)

“So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” Psalm 90:12

I’m not so good at organizing my day. The concept of planners is a new one for me; calendars intimidate me. I’m trying to get better at all of this, and making slow progress.

Part of my problem is that the days just seem to fly by. I schedule something and before I know it it’s here. I always feel surprised, caught unawares by events I’d scheduled weeks ago.

There’s a danger to living life at a frenetic pace, a danger that one will end up stumbling and tripping and falling over one’s own life. There’s a danger to losing track, to losing count, of one’s own days.

Psalm 90 ponders the transience of human life compared to the “everlasting to everlasting” nature of God; this same God who chooses to live with us in all of our stumbling. “So teach us to count our days,” the psalmist sings, “that we may gain a wise heart.” So teach us to be mindful of the lives that we are living, of the days that are passing, so that we don’t miss the presence of God moving and working amongst us.

As we move through Lent toward Holy Week, we learn how to count the days. How to pay attention to the details of our lives with God, because we know that something big is coming up, something life-changing—something already at work in our lives and in our days.

Lent can be the space where God teaches us how to gain a wise heart, that we may better perceive the work of God in our lives, always opening us outward to serve others.

Prayer: God, make me more mindful of how I use my time, so that I don’t miss your presence in the daily tasks of life.

David Hosey

Metropolitan Memorial UMC

Praise Be to God (Mar 2)

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him.”
Psalm 22: 27–29

Last Fall while I was studying abroad in Morocco, a 99.9% Muslim country with only 20,000 Christians, I was immersed in a people who were mindful and aware of God, worshiping Him at all times and all places. One of the first words I learned was “hamdoulah” (Praise be to God) because a minute hardly goes by when you do not hear it—when someone hears good news, hamdoulah; when someone is full after a meal, hamdoulah; after asking how someone is doing, hamdoulah; when some­one is sick, hamdoulah

At first the idea of praising God in sickness was hard to under­stand, but one Sunday as I was walking back to my host family’s apartment after French Catholic Mass (the only Christian church I could find in the city) the midday call to prayer began echoing through the downtown streets and I realized that I was in God’s presence, since God is present in everything and everything comes from God. The first words of the call to prayer, “Allahu akbar” (God is greater), also reminded me that God is greater than everything, even sickness, hardship, and death. Senseless violence and destruction may continue and at times seem hope­less, but God is still present. So let us remember at all times and in all places to bow down and worship our Lord.

Zack Robbins

American University

Watchful Waiting (Mar 1)

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1–3

We all know that waiting for anything can cause stress. For some, waiting 10 minutes for the next bus is frustrating. Wait­ing with expectation—or not knowing what to expect—is never easy and anxiety-producing. I would submit that another kind of watchful waiting—Taize—is a spiritual discipline and has the opposite effect.

Named for the community in France where it was established, the discipline is practiced based on the resources available, which may vary from entire choirs and instrumentalists to just a few participants. The numbers of those involved are unim­portant. The basic elements involve reflective time and prayer on a scripture passage alternating with an ostinato chant. The chant may be only a few measures but it is repeated over and over (sometimes with an obbligato by instrumentalist or singer to add interest) so that it seems as if time is slowed and the cares of the present are unimportant.

Take advantage of the experience of Taize, when it is available.

Kerm Towler

Metropolitan Memorial UMC

Peace Be with You (Feb 29)

“For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’” Psalm 122:8

Hey, what’s up? How’s your day going? How are you?Nothing much. It’s going ok. I’m fine.

Each day is a pilgrimage.

Typically I see every day as a means to get somewhere else. Running through Wednesday to get to Friday, checking my watch during my class to get to a meeting.

So when someone asks me how my day is, it’s a chance for me to take a moment to reflect on what’s actually going on and what has already happened. If I’ve been aware of my day, I can cite a moment in which I saw God present or was grateful for something that happened; if I’ve been rushing then the ques­tion forces me to reflect back and find a moment where I saw God, and maybe missed it or didn’t fully appreciate something someone has done for me.

I don’t usually participate fully in the Lenten season, but this past year has caused me to be more observant and find my inner peace. Lent gives us all a time to be particularly mindful of where God is present and active. Alive in life.

Prayer: Lord, allow me to be aware of Your presence throughout the day so that I may know Your way.

Monica Nehls

American University

Take On, Take Off (Feb 28)

I just finished re-reading the book of Ruth, one of my favorites. I have always loved the story and find it so refreshing after reading the preceding books in the Old Testament. This time, however, I was struck by two things:

1. I was struck by Ruth’s utter dedication to the matriarch of her new family. I was so amazed at how she cast aside all of her own cultural ideals and personal goals, to be a part of this new family and to serve her mother-in-law with such passion, devotion, and dedication.

2. I was amazed at how adaptable Ruth was. How she listened, learned, and applied the things she was being taught by Naomi. I was struck by how she adapted to her new surroundings and successfully navigated the new environment to success.

In the season of Lent, we are instructed to “take on something” or to “set something aside.” I would encourage us all to take a lesson from Ruth when evaluating our Lenten discipline.

1. What could we “take on”….

a. A concerted effort to listen more and react less?

b. The realization that gleaning and serving is sometimes preferable to leading?

c. Finding new and creative ways to be a part of the community?

2. What could we “set aside”….

a. Some of our personal goals and objectives and aid in the success of someone else?

b. Some of those things that distract us from the forward momentum of our spiritual journey?

I am challenged during this Lenten Season to re-evaluate how I spend my time and energies. I pray you will join me on this Lenten journey as we observe the life of Ruth and find the secrets her story can bring to our own lives.

Bill Potts

Metropolitan Memorial UMC

With All My Heart (Feb 27)

“Because I remembered God with all my heart.”

Tobit 1:12

I will be completely honest with you—this devotional did not come easily to me. I’m probably not the most mindful person around, so how am I supposed to reflect on the concept? I know how important it is to be mindful and reflect on our relationships with God, but that doesn’t make it any easier for me to actually do so. Truthfully, I don’t always remember God with all my heart.

Although I have the opportunity to experience God’s grace daily, I am not always open and mindful of God’s presence in my life. It’s easy to go around doing everything I need to do as if I am filling out a checklist: finish those readings—check, write that paper—check, get milk at the store—check, finish writing your devotional—uhh…, etc. But, in focusing on those rote tasks, I often forget to look for and be open to God.

How do we ensure that we are remembering God with our whole hearts? What can we do to reflect on God’s presence without getting lost in our daily routines?

Prayer: Dear God, please allow me to see all of your awesome manifestations in my life. Help me to see your presence and grow closer to you through reflection on these expressions of your love and power.

Zoe Eng

American University

Unlikely Blessings (Feb 25)

Can getting a flat tire on the beltway ever be anything other than an annoyance?

A fellow Disciple I class member shared this experience. While driving with a friend to an event their tire blew out and they were left sitting on the side of the road waiting for help. What she first considered an aggravation turned out to be an opportunity to share a surprisingly intimate conversation with her friend, to take notice of the white clouds against the bright blue sky and to feel her heart fill with thankfulness to God for the joys a flat tire could bring.

Wow. I decided I wanted to be like that and I wanted to be around people who are like that. So, when a plane is delayed, I try my best to shut my eyes and count the blessings that allowed me to take the trip at all. When I realize I selected the slowest moving line, I attempt to remember to say a blessing prayer for those working and those in line ahead (and behind) me. When the inevitable traffic irritations occur, I stop the urge to beep and thank God for keeping me safe yet again and ask God to continue to keep me and those around me alert and aware.

If this is mindfulness, then if I can practice it, it’s something that can turn annoyances and aggravations into thankful, thoughtful moments that bring a smile and a feeling of close­ness to God.

Kris Oberdick

Metropolitan Memorial UMC

Merging with God (Feb 24)

My view of mindfulness is taking the time to discover God in people or places as we hurry through our busy lives. I am grate­ful that I recently returned to the path of my spiritual journey. Currently, I am not disciplined enough to sit quietly and meditate for a substantial period of time. I can, however, look for God in the numerous interactions I have with others during the day.

Multiple times every day, I merge with others—incoming traffic on the way to work, entering the line at Starbucks, the eleva­tor at work, the Costco parking lot on a Saturday, the Costco crowds inside the store. In almost all of those interactions, I have to decide whether to assert my right, or opportunity to take or maintain my position—or to yield. If I see Jesus as the driver of the other car, or the family at the checkout line at Costco would I yield?

It is easy when the other party is vulnerable or attractive—elderly, small child, pretty girl, an executive at my organization or in line for Communion. The reach occurs when you are in a hurry and the other party is somewhat offensive—does not give the obligatory wave or smile before they attempt to merge in front of me in my lane, or unfairly claims my spot in line, or on a crowded elevator and it irritates me. During Lent, and hopefully beyond, I am going to look for Jesus in every human merger and agree to slow down, yield to others and reflect on the gifts spirituality has given me. I am confident I will actually go farther by yielding my position to others.

David Hackney

Crossroads

Taking the Right Train (Feb 23)

“Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.” Psalm 26:2–3

Earlier this week, the following quote arrived in my email inbox:

“It may be that what you could be haunts you. It is real. It is a weight you have to carry around. Each failure to become, to be, is a weight. Each state you could inhabit is a burden as heavy as any physical weight, because it weighs on your soul. It is the ghost of your possibilities hanging around your neck, an invisible albatross, potentials unknowingly murdered.” —Ben Okri

This quote may seem depressing, but it acknowledges a truth. With every choice we make, one path is taken and another is denied. I am nearly nine months beyond my graduation from American University, and every day I am more aware of how the choices I have made have lead me to where I sit.

The “What-If” train is a dangerous one to ride. It can be a trip that takes you off into a Land of Make-Believe that even Mr. Rogers wouldn’t have condoned, because it can lead to despair.

Mindfulness, on the other hand, is your ticket to ride a different train. How can you not be grateful when you take the time to be aware of all the small wonders that surround you? Let your senses come alive with the awareness of where you are right now, realize that you are blessed, and be thankful.

Prayer: Sustaining God, thank you for being present in the choices we make, and for giving us the ability to make those choices. Help us to be present with you as we walk the paths before us, and hold our hands as we go forward in your grace. Amen.

Carolyn Capern
American University Alumni

Ash Wednesday

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

Matthew 4:1–11 tells the story of Jesus going into the wilder­ness for prayer and fasting for 40 days. It was after Jesus took this intentional time and devoted it to God that his public ministry began.

Despite my best intentions there are often times I find it difficult to spend as much intentional time with God as I would like. It often seems like there is so much to do, and the busyness of life can make intentional time with God more difficult. The story of Jesus’ 40 day fast leaves me convicted and desiring renewal in my relationship with God.

Psalm 51:10 discusses renewal. For many of us renewal is an important part of the Christian faith. We may go through times when our relationship with God is strong and we feel as if our spiritual cup is full. However, there very well may be times when we do not feel so close to God and we feel as if we are empty. It is in these times when renewal is important in our walk with God.

Lent provides us with a perfect opportunity to work on “renewing a steadfast spirit.” This is a time in the Christian year in which we focus on prayer, fasting, and simple living. Jesus made intentional time for prayer and fasting and focused on listening for God.

During Lent we join with sisters and brothers of our faith all over the world in committing ourselves to Christian practices and renewing ourselves for a life with God.

Prayer: God, forgive me for the times I do not make intentional time for you. Help me to renew myself for you and to listen for you all the days of my life. Amen.

Caleb Frazier
Metropolitan Memorial UMC