This has been an eventful week! While enjoying the privilege of baptizing my niece in the Pacific ocean and having a great time teaching and singing at the Journey in southern California, my granddaughter Gigi had to have her appendix removed. It wan’t such a fun time for a five year old and she still waits to be released from the hospital. There all sorts of things to consider in moments like these for many things begin to surface from the inner places of the heart. I’ve noticed my anxiety, my helplessness, my arrogant assumption that I can somehow fix the problem and how I want to make it go away so I don’t have to be uncomfortable.

In this place I am reminded that Jesus is with me and knows my deepest thoughts and feelings. Each concern is hospitably welcomed into His presence where His power is available to transform me. Too often in these moments rather than taking advantage of His welcoming presence I am tempted to escape into places of distraction and denial. The writer in Psalm 61:2-5 says:

“From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
For you, God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your
name.”

There is the opportunity and possibility in moments like these to discover the rich resources of God’s care and companionship when our own capabilities and resources to cope are depleted or insufficient. In fact it is in the very moments of weakness, depletion and insufficient resources that God’s grace is most available and powerful. I am asking for help and companionship this day as I navigate the ever changing landscape of joy and pain. To remain present to it all with the companionship and resurrection power of Jesus is the true path to transformation. May you as well learn to remain in the process of the journey you are on and let the present reality of God’s compassion and care bring hope to your day. Blessings.