"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where
will my help come from? My help comes
from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." 

(Psalm 121)

     

One time I was asked to create a bio describing myself and interests. I self-disclosed that "drinking coffee" was one of my favorite "hobbies." One person laughed and commented how "that's my favorite 'hobby' too!" What was behind this statement was the joy of drinking a cup of coffee with a dear friend(s). On Tuesday mornings, I am blessed to continue this practice as I connect with area pastors for a Bible study. We share what is on our hearts, we discover inspiration for preaching and we know that we have trusted friendships in this gathering. It's a safe space to be who you are, known and loved. That's what "drinking coffee," means to me. It's a metaphor for having a trusted friend(s) to share the joys and struggles of life.

 

This is a picture of a sacred gift I was given: "a praying hands cross."  Truth be told, I limit my coffee drinking these days as I converse with my greatest friend, Jesus. In one hand, I hold this cross. In the other hand, I hold a coffee cup. Listening to Jesus, praying, reading God's Word and anchoring the day with spiritual practices gives me incredible hope. On days where this time is rushed, I feel it. When I linger in this presence of Christ, I discover a serenity that creates resiliency. A prayer partner gave me this cross years ago. Prayer holds great power to heal our world, and even calm the storms in our own hearts and minds. It's never too late to pause and spend time with God. May all of us continue to pray for the healing of our world. Know that I pray for all of Our Savior's. God is with us always.