Thursday, December 5, 2019

Amos 4: 6 – 13 

Psalm 18: 1-20

2 Peter 1: 1 – 18 

Matthew 21: 33 – 46

Psalm 18:19 “He brought me out into a broad place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.”  The word “broad” is variously translated as a large, wide-open, spacious place.

I have known that uncluttered, unfettered physical space in nature, walking through a large field of camas in the spring or across snow covered fields in winter, breathing in ocean air at the seaside, listening to the rustle of maple leaves on forest trails. These are moments when a beautiful space breathes holy, fresh life into both body and soul.  

I have known the “wideness of God’s mercy” (Faber 1862) through experiencing times when I’ve been led from difficult situations into a healthier, happier place, or when there is that sense of being borne up when facing what we dread.

Also, to know we can be open with others and feel a sincere welcome in each other is a much-needed gift of spaciousness.  However, while these relationships can be nourishing in seasons of gathering together, these times can also be jam-packed and complicated. While exhausted and closed up, we may lose sight of that something more that opens to us:  the Light and Delight of God wooing us to the spacious place within.  It refreshes our whole person as we experience in prayer and meditation the room to breathe God’s quiet presence in us. 

This Advent and Christmastide, may we celebrate joyfully in the broadness of our home in the heart of God.

Dorothy Dahli