Monday, December 11, 2023
Monday, December 11, 2023:
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Psalm 27:4-5
“Turn” is the theme of this week in Advent.
In the movie “City Slickers,” Curly (Jack Palance), the hard-core cowboy, and Mitch (Billy Crystal), the greenhorn city slicker, are riding along a trail talking about love, life, and other existential issues.
At one point Curly asks, “Do you know what the secret of life is?” Mitch replies, “No, what?” Curly holds up his index finger and says, “This!” Using somewhat colorful language, Curly explains that only one thing matters in life. Mitch says, “That’s great, but what’s the one thing?” Curly responds, “That’s what you gotta figure out.”
In the psalm, David has figured out his one thing – to turn from a self-centered life to live in God’s house, contemplate His beauty, and to study at His feet. That’s where he found peace in a noisy world.
Be still and Reflect: What one thing matters most in your life? How does it drive your decisions and choices in career, relationships, community, physical and spiritual well-being?
Pray: Lord Jesus and Shepherd of my life, how easily I can lose track of time and place as I graze upon the details of my busy days. Before long, I can discover I’ve turned from You and gone down rabbit trails to places of little importance to You and Your purposes. Forgive me for not paying better attention. Remind me of Your most important commandment – to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind. And to love my neighbor as myself.
As I continue throughout my day, let Your Holy Spirit prompt or impress upon my heart what I can do in each moment or activity to live into this great commandment, whether in my work, family, community, financial stewardship, or physical well-being. Amen.