Overload
This Eastertide, on overload once again, I have chosen as my practice to notice and be grateful for the ways and times that Grace gets in and is enough for me to give thanks and bear the freight of the day. Certainly, the world is giving us too much to bear it seems, when war has broken our hearts with grim prognostications, the governmental systems are not only frayed but mired in standoffs, the environment has gone beyond groaning to wailing as it suffers, our institutions seem be coming apart at the seams, and the specter of COVID still looms over all.
So, my attention has been pulled back to a favorite grounding text, in which the apostle Paul recounts his own misery, and then concludes that “God’s Grace is sufficient for me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9.) My intention this Eastertide is to look for, take note, savor and give thanks each day for the way that Grace has been sufficient. It has been more challenging than I imagined, not because the Grace is absent or hiding, but because my own perception, imagination and attentiveness are often underdeveloped.
Grace has appeared:
First roses have blossomed in my spring garden
a mother hummingbird has reoccupied a nest tucked up under the eaves, and tends her eggs vigilantly
my grandboy Teddy has vigorously moved into toddlerhood, with much joie de vivre
my prayer for deep listening and patience to understand another’s point of view were delivered when I needed them
my imagination was sparked as I filled bags of books for those who need them, while letting go of things which once gave me joy and I no longer need
My list could go on for ages. And I was reminded by so many Wise Ones of the ways that my faith continues to hold me in the arms of the Holy One of Grace, whose love never ceases, as I am taught how to love with Grace. Professor Kate Bowler brought me this reminder in her new book Good Enough with Jessica Richie; she quotes Thomas Merton here:
To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us–and he has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes the difference.
Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude
Grace and peace,
Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation