A Resurrection for You
There can be many kinds of resurrection in our lives at any time. Your spirit, for instance. Is it beaten down by 15 months of COVID-related difficulties and challenges? Other issues? Mine was. I spent several months last summer in a depression brought on by the pandemic, my retirement from the most rewarding ministry of my life, and physical ailments that apparently had waited for me to retire to whomp me. So I prayed, talked to trusted friends, and pulled out my Julian of Norwich book of readings (English mystic, 1342-1416) and reread her wonderful and always hopeful revelations. And here are her words that helped me and, I hope, will help you: “Our good Lord answered all my questions and doubts by saying with full energy: ‘I desire to make all things well, and I will make all things well, and you will see with your own eyes that every kind of thing will be well.’” And my prayer afterward was, “please, Lord, take this depression from me, and show me what I need to do to help you accomplish that.”
Two weeks later, a newcomer showed up at a church support group. He was seeking help and direction and support at a rough time in his life, and the two of us met afterward and talked – a lot. And both our spirits were resurrected indeed!
Let us pray: Gracious Lord of love, you are always with us, even when we don’t feel your presence. And you always answer our prayers, if not in the way that we expect or hope. Grant us the patience to continue waiting faithfully in prayer, and the strength and courage to respond when you show us the way. Amen
Daily Message Author: Bob Griffiths
Bob is the former Chaplain at the Pines of Sarasota, southwest Florida’s oldest and largest not-for-profit senior care facility. Prior to joining the staff in 2010, Bob worked in hospice chaplaincy for seven years. He is the past Spiritual Life Director at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Sarasota and is an Associate of the Order of the Holy Cross, an Episcopal Benedictine religious order.
