This week I attended a conference on trauma. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, and I had to adapt my expectations a bit, but I kept engaged and open. It was a bit disconcerting, but in the midst of it all, I learned a new concept, and application, which has opened a whole new understanding for me. It is too early to explain, and I need to do some reading and study, but it has been revolutionary in its initial impact!

I feel so graced and humble, and I remember how important it is to be open to learning. Often we think we know all that is required, we are weary, and we are not wanting to challenge familiar assumptions. For me though, God always seems to want to help me see things through a different lens, and to grow in my understanding of life, and of the relevance of faith. The world is so vast, people so complicated and with such great potential, and there are so many things we can learn in order to be a more loving and wise presence.

The prophet Isaiah writes: ” Look I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? ” Isaiah 43: 19

Sometimes we are walking around with our eyes shut, hanging on to the familiar, and afraid of deviating from the past. Yet God often called his people to new things, whether Abram and Sarai, or Noah or Esther, or Peter and John, or Paul. There was always another twist in the road, a journey, a new thing to take on board.

As Christians, our lives are seldom boring. We cannot stay still, or like water we become stagnant. So we are called to follow Jesus, to be attentive disciples, open to learning, curious, and willing to integrate what we learn into our lives. Sometimes it is costly, sometimes it lifts us up. We need discernment and courage. May we always be open to taking that next step…….

Gracious Creator, You have fashioned the constellations, and our lives, to reflect Your glory. Sometimes we are weighed down by the cares of the world, and we lose our sense of wonder. Lord Jesus, cleanse from us the dirt and cloudiness from our glasses, our reluctance to change, and help us see this abundant and gorgeous world afresh. Holy spirit, soften our hearts, and make them tender to your leading, and whispers of love. Open our ears, give us a biddable spirit, and feet willing to travel hopefully on new and exciting paths, in Jesus’ name, Amen.