From cornerstone to stumbling block and back again

What a great image in the Scriptures today - our human-ness so perfectly displayed by Peter. Over the past few weeks we've heard about Peter walking on water, but then losing sight of Jesus and sinking; Peter calling Jesus "the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16) and Jesus building his church on Peter. But today, Peter gets in front of Jesus, focusing on what Peter thinks the Kingdom of God will be - power and glory in this world. Jesus rebukes him, calling Peter satan or opposer. Jesus reminds Peter, and us, that we are to follow Christ through the cross. For it is only when we share in the cross that we can fully participate in the Kingdom.

James 1:2-4 reminds us - "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenver you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". In the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver, the author likens her journey to write this book as the same process a Christian is called to journey in order to reach eternal life. We can stumble over the process when we expect immediate results:

The trouble, of course, is that most of the time we'd rather not persevere. We all want a testimony, but we'd rather skip the test that gives us one. We all want a product. But we'd rather skip the process.
As Charles Swindoll writes,

I fear our generation has come dangerously near the "I'm-getting-tired-so-let's-just-quit" mentality. And not just in the spiritual realm. Dieting is a discipline, so we stay fat. Finishing school is a hassle, so we bail out. Cultivating a close relationship is painful, so we back off. Getting a book written is demanding, so we stop short. Working through conflicts in a marriage is a tiring struggle, so we walk away. Sticking with an occupation is tough, so we start looking elsewhere . . .
And about the time we are ready to give it up, along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers: "Now keep going: don't quit. Keep on."

What a timely piece of encouragement - from the highs and lows in life, during the ups and downs, God does not demand perfection. Rather we are called to persevere. One day we may be the cornerstone of strength, and the next we turn into the roadblock who slows ourselves and those around us down. Thankfully, we have hope. Hope for a better tomorrow even when we have bad days, weeks, or months. And we know that our God is a merciful and loving God, always there, ready to whisper encouragement if we but stop and listen: "Don't Quit".

Becoming like my mother

When I was younger, I was very shy and quiet. I'm most definitely an introvert, but it was very obvious then. I preferred reading or dreaming or playing piano to playdates. I was my own best companion. So it astounded me to no end to see my mother hugging complete strangers and greeting people as if they were family. When I was a little older (probably a teenager), I would cringe when my mom would strike up a conversation with someone at a store, or chat with someone on the street. I would have preferred to blend into the background. As I grew older, and became a little less reserved, I began to think that my destiny was complete - I was going to turn into my mother whether I wanted to or not - it was inevitable. At that time, I didn't like the idea. It scared me to be that far out of my comfort zone (looking back now - I didn't know why at the time).

Today, I still struggle with my own reservations and fears. I get caught up in myself and forget to see others as Jesus does. Tonight, I greeted people I didn't know, and didn't worry about myself. I focused on them, and I tried to be welcoming and courteous, as any Christian should. And when I got home afterwards, I realized that it was a lot easier to open myself to strangers when I did it for God instead of worrying about my comfort zone or my feelings. That's when I also realized that if I truly believe in God's love, and I live accordingly, it makes everything else fall into place - introverted nature and all.

Wearing hats

I like to wear hats. I enjoy the additional accessory, the uniqueness, and it's one of my 'things'. My fellow Rotarians know me best as wearing a hat. Just this past weekend, I received the 'un-official' title of "lady in the hat"! But it got me to thinking about a few things.

First - I was touched that others notice my hats. I guess it could be my introverted way of saying 'I'm here - notice me'. Second - I tend to wear hats when at Rotary functions so that I am easily recognizable.

Simple observations, but I think there's more I can learn. Who around me wears 'hats' that I fail to notice? Which 'hats' do I applaud and why? Which 'hats' do I ignore, and why? By wearing hats consistently, am I expressing myself or living up to another's expectations of me?

I've tried to become more conscious of blessings in my life, and I've made a specific effort to appreciate the people in my life. And, since I know how I feel when someone notices my 'hats', why can't I do that for others? The hats could be talents, a kindness, a smile, or anything. If I would just make the time to recognize those around me and their own 'hats', I could pass it on. Sometimes it's hard to see, and sometimes I don't want to see.

I will try harder to be aware of the many 'hats' around me. They can be much more than just the item I place on my head. They can remind me of each person's unique gifts and talents. Hopefully I can be more open to this knowledge.

Using our gifts in "the now"

I was listening to my sister share some highlights from the 2011: A book of grace-filled days, and one of them went like this: Mathew 5:13 - You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. The reflection was: Living in "the now" means pouring out our gifts for one another today, because tomorrow they may have lost their effectiveness, and next week they may be gone.

When she first read this, I was surprised. I right away stated that I didn't like this particular reflection. She asked why. I said that I didn't like the idea of losing my gifts overnight. I was thinking of how I would feel if tomorrow I woke up and couldn't play the piano. But as we talked, I was able to consider another viewpoint (and probably the real intention of the reflection) as a reminder to use our gifts instead of 'saving' them. I think of the good china that stays in the cupboard so it doesn't get broken, or the beautiful sweater that doesn't get worn so it will never be dirty or stained. But what purpose do those things have if they are not used? Similarly, what purpose does our talent serve if we hide it, or deny it, or ignore it? This reflection reminds us that just as God gives us sufficient grace for the moment, our talents are also intended to be used for this moment. We do not know what tomorrow brings, but we can trust that it will bring its own needs, talents, and challenges. Don't waste an opportunity to do what you were created for, using the gifts you were given to serve God in 'the now'.

Salt of the Earth

Today's Gospel was from Matthew 5:13-16. Fr.'s homily focused on being the salt of society. Salt was valued in the Gospel as both a preservative and for its flavor. Today we are called to "salt" society. This means we are to preserve God's values and flavor those around us. And this message is not a secret limited to one creed, race or nation. We are called to be the light of the world and to let our light shine before all. How can you preserve those around you and add flavor to those you meet?