Today, we look at a Day 4 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “From Generation to Generation.”
Prayer: Creator and sustaining God, help me to find the joy in my trials, to grow my faith when tested, and to do your will, always. Amen. Reading: James 1:1-6 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The worldwide reaction to the pandemic COVID-19 virus has presented all of us with trials unimagined. A year ago, the idea of weeks out of work, cancelled classes, runs on toilet paper, and the closing of our church doors to worship was the stuff of science fiction novels and action thrillers. Isolation, fear, quarantines, and death may test our faith beyond what we think we can endure. But look at the opportunities these times have afforded us. I’ve seen support and gratitude voiced for those who steadfastly answer their vocations to others – health workers, police and firemen, grocery clerks, restaurant workers, clergy, and more. For others, the unexpected time at home with children and pets and partners has provided cherished memories too rarely possible to make in the usual bustle of the workweek. Schools and social media have united to create curriculum adventures; I’ve enjoyed online museum tours and art exhibitions, listened to streamed concerts and tuned into science and nature shows usually unavailable to my cable-free household. One of the most exciting developments that I have enjoyed is the newfound accessibility to worship Facebook broadcasts and emailed newsletters has made real. Church meeting the people where they are, in a virtual-literal way. I know times are tough, and they are scary. Some days it is harder than others to see the good in this crisis. But I think that is why letters like James’ are included in the Bible. I do have faith in God’s limitless mercy, the abundance of His gifts. I also have faith in humankind. We will get through this challenge, and we will be stronger and better for what we learn as we endure, together. --Heather LeBlanc
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
Anyone is welcome to contribute! If you'd like to write for us, please e-mail [email protected] Email
Get our daily devotions delivered to your e-mail box each day by signing up below:
Archives
May 2022
Subscribe |