Our Little Lives, Our Big Problems
Our Little Lives, Our Big Problems
I was at the 101st birthday party of a beloved church member this past Saturday. One hundred and one trips around the sun! Can you just imagine all she’s seen and experienced? Talk about taking the long view. There is something to be said for the wisdom of years and the perspective that comes from a long life.
Yet while we were celebrating this joyous occasion, news came to us of the political violence unfolding in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Folks were shocked and appalled. A strong sentiment felt by those with whom I was chatting was, “What is going on in the United States? This is not who we are. What has happened to our country? This just has to change.”
Do you feel this way? In an election year, it all just seems so much more heightened. On all sides, folks are tired of the rancor and division. Yet, what can we do? This meditation by Howard Thurman from Mediations of Heart (1953) found its way to me this morning. It spoke to me right where I am at this moment. I hope it will speak to you as it reminds us of God’s grace, hope, and steadfast love.
“Our Little Lives, Our Big Problems”
Our little lives, our big problems—these we place upon Your altar!
The quietness in Your temple of silence again and again rebuffs us:
For some there is no discipline to hold them steady in the waiting,
And the minds reject the noiseless invasion of Your spirit.
For some there is no will to offer what is central in the thoughts—
The confusion is so manifest, there is no starting place to take hold.
For some the evils of the world tear down all concentrations
And scatter the focus of the high resolves.
War and the threat of war has covered us with heavy shadows,
the days big with foreboding,
the nights crowded with frenzied dreams and restless churnings.
We do not know how to do what we know to do.
We do not know how to be what we know to be.
Our little lives, our big problems—these we place upon Your altar!
Brood over our spirits, Our Father.
Blow upon whatever dream you have for us
that there may glow once again upon our hearts the light from Your altar.
Pour out upon us whatever our spirits need of shock, of life, of release
That we may find strength for these days—
Courage and hope for tomorrow.
In confidence we rest in Your sustaining grace
Which makes possible triumph in defeat, gain in loss, and love in hate.
We rejoice this day to say:
Our little lives, our big problems—these we place upon Your altar!
My friends, place your little lives and your big problems upon the altar.
Do what is yours to do.
Be what is yours to be.
God is with you and will never be away from you.
Go make peace, my friends.
Pastor Leanne
Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502
info@sjcpres.org