Looks like a course you might take! In the Joy family reality, it refers to our oldest member, Grace Hanson. She lives at The Bridge. Her husband Arnold died on her birthday, New Year’s Day 2024. They were married 77 years. Every time I visit Grace and bring the sacrament, she comments on all she would still like to be a part of and help with. She reads our “Tidings” newsletter and ruefully shakes her head. “If only”…even though she is rejoicing for all the good things we have going on. Such churchmanship is a big part of the reason she enjoys longevity. Grace’s heart is still hungry for God.

Our spiritual life is not, should not be disconnected from our daily life. It can’t be
compartmentalized or added to our “to-do” list. The so-called “urgent’ should not come
before the essential, the better part to be chosen. Praying the ordinary is a faith discipline
that, if practiced, will enrich you substantially. Our hearts as well as our minds can know and
experience God.

I have found, and I share with you, the value of centering prayer. There’s an app for
that! It gives you all the options you can imagine, everything from the starting sound or music,
the beginning prayer or Scripture, the length of time (I do 20 minutes), the closing sound to
“bring you out of it”, and the concluding sound or music. It takes practice. Tuning out the
world’s noise is never easy. A centering word and deep breathing help. The focus is on
listening to God.

In the learning lab of life, the classroom where “Age 101” is taught can provide many
lessons and insights about having a faith that is fervently grounded in Christ. Let the
unconditional love of our Abba overflow you with rejuvenating life and vitality!

Pastor Art