The way I see it today is just too beautiful a day to be inside writing this newsletter article. It is one of these great upstate New York summer days that has low humidity, lots of sunshine, a gentle breeze and temperatures in the 70’s. Who wants to be inside on a day like today? Oh, I know, I could write this newsletter article tomorrow when there’s a chance of rain but then there’s this weekend’s sermon to write and the house to clean with family coming in on Friday for Paul’s graduation on Saturday. There’s food to go and buy and a cake to order for his party on Sunday. And even if I waited to write the article on Monday that wouldn’t work because that’s my Sabbath day and our granddaughter, Ella, will be here and I will want to play with her. On the other hand I suppose I could be the one to hold up mailing the newsletter and procrastinate a few more days but that doesn’t seem fair to the folders who have arranged their time to come and get it in the mail. And so it is with a desire to be outside taking a walk or kayaking that I am inside as the spiritual leader of this congregation plumbing the depths of my soul to write something inspiring and uplifting.
In thinking about this, what strikes me most powerfully is the reality that the only thing I can really do as a spiritual leader is to try and live my life as faithfully as possible. No heroics are required. There are no magic words to say or great mysteries to unlock. The life we are given is meant to be lived as fully and faithfully as we know how. And that’s just about all there is to it. How I treat my husband, my children, my step-children, my grandchildren, my parents, my friends, and you is the most important way I can offer any significant spiritual guidance. What I do with my time reflects my priorities and the depth of faithful living is seen in how I live my life, day-to-day.
Admittedly, there are times that faithful living comes so naturally it’s like breathing. I don’t even have to think about being kind or generous or loving or gentle, I simple am. But at other times staying faithful in the midst of conflict and turmoil feels like I’m gasping for air. I can so easily slip into despair and discouragement and feel so disgruntled that it’s like I’m drowning. Since none of us ever really know what each day will bring on the days I do make it into the chancel to say Morning Prayer I always pray this resolve from Forward Day By Day. Maybe it will be helpful to you.
I will try this day to live a simple, sincere, and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity and self seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust and a childlike faith in God.
In particular I will try to be faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating and sleep which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right. And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Savior, and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen