cultivate stillness today

“But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child with its mother,
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.” (Psalm 131:2)

glory and suffering

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)

Funny. It doesn’t say we’ll…
get that promotion
have the luxury of foregoing any sacrifice
get any outstanding debts paid
have a secure retirement
have trouble-free relationships
enjoy stress-free living
or have “right” political views

…if we call upon God the Father.

Suffering. If we share in HIS sufferings… What are his sufferings? Living according to the will of his Father and suffering rejection to the point of death. How willing am I to suffer rejection? How willing am I live life (i.e. my mornings, my evenings, my weekends, workdays and daily commutes) according to God’s Spirit?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law….Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:22,26)

“In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.” (Hebrews 2:8-10)

Celebrate!

Today, celebrate choices! I need to remind myself occasionally that I don’t “have” to do anything, that I make decisions that shape my days and my life. Sometimes, there is a pattern or groove or habit that claims to supercede free will. Resist it!! And, today, remember, you have choices!!

Epiphanies

If we were built, what were we built for? …Why do we have this amazing collection of sinews, senses, and sensibilities? Were we really designed in order to recline on the couch, extending our wrists perpendicular to the floor so we can flick through the television’s offerings? Were we really designed in order to shop some more so the economy can grow some more? Or were we designed to experience the great epiphanies that come from contact with each other and with the natural world? Were we designed to witness the goodness all around us, and to protect and nourish it? Just as “the environment” is a context, not an issue, so is “consumption.” It defines at the moment who we are – and who we aren’t.

-Bill McKibben, Christianity Today, December ‘96

Colorado Springs Streetcars

My grandmother’s parents emigrated from Sweden and settled in Colorado Springs. My grandmother was born, raised, and lived in Colorado Springs her whole life. She used to tell me that she and her best friend would ride the streetcar that went between Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs along Colorado Avenue.

I was driving (read: exploring back streets) this last week, and I happened upon this railyard.
I did a little looking and it seems there is a group who wants to bring the streetcar back.
It could be really nice, actually.
http://www.railwaypreservation.com/vintagetrolley/coloradosprings.htm