A Prayer for a New Year

Instead of making resolutions which I can never keep, I am asking God to do some things in my life this year:

Lying Down in Green Pastures

Psalm 23 may be the most beloved and memorized of all the Psalms. We appreciate the images of peaceful fields and of clean, white sheep tended by God. However, I have found that the reality of living out the truths of this passage can be tough. According to verse 2, the shepherd forces the sheep to lie down in green pastures. Apparently, lying down isn’t easy for sheep, and it’s certainly not normal for me. I like to know that my days are filled with purpose and plans. To rest seems wrong somehow!

I am clearly in a season of resting. A few months ago God

The Simple Life

Our American culture makes it quite difficult to live a simple life. (And I don’t mean the simple life of the reality show with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richey!) Simplifying our lives doesn’t automatically come from living without money. It’s more about living with focus and without so much busyness; we can live on a farm or in poverty and have cluttered lives.

What is at the heart of a simple life? Why are we so busy and exhausted?

Savoring the Moment

What a wonderful trip our entire family took this month! Although we saw great sights and enjoyed good food, the highlight was being with those I love most. Perhaps revisiting some places I had seen previously made it easier to live in the moment, or maybe realizing that such opportunities are rare gave me a sense of the present. Whatever it was, time seemed to stand still as we sat outside at Parisian cafes, walked on the beaches of Normandy, or enjoyed Belgium waffles together.

Why is it so hard to savor the moment? Why do I fail to drink in time with people and with God? In my busyness I’ve been guilty of seeing people as an intrusion rather than God’s appointment. At my worst, I have rushed time with God to get on with the real work of the day. Who am I kidding? How can I lead others to God’s still waters when my waters are churned up by busyness and worry?

So why was this experience different?