Wednesday, April 4, 2012

.a stumble she didn't know what to do with.


I saw one of my favorite babies today at Chapters. She has just learned to walk and was showing off. I got down on the floor and held out my arms.

Toddle, toddle, toddle... sit. Grin at us. Yay!!!

Toddle, toddle, toddle- sudden lurch into me. I catch her and she leans against my shoulder, then looks up at me, seemingly confused to find herself there.

I looked up at her dad. "Uh, was that a hug?"

"Mm, I think it was a stumble she didn't know what to do with... so she turned it into a hug."

Oh, the spiritual analogies.



"Should I stumble again,
still I'm caught in Your grace..."
-Hillsong

Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.