the spiritual focus of the community's
One Little Words. This week, we are writing about
Margaret Simon's One Little Word:
One Little Words. This week, we are writing about
Margaret Simon's One Little Word:
REACH.
When I reflected on Margaret's OLW this week, the first thing that came to mind
was this line of poetry from Robert Browning:
"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp,
Or what's a heaven for?"
("Andrea del Sarto," line 98)
Followers of Christ learn that reaching for heaven is something we can't do alone.
I've always loved this poster printed some years ago in our church magazine for teens.
When we reach up, the Savior can lift us. The caption at the bottom of the poster reads:
When we reach up, the Savior can lift us. The caption at the bottom of the poster reads:
"Let Him Lift You," and references James 4:10 -
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up."
The words "reach up" help us trust the Lord by reaching for him. Love for the Lord is the first great commandment. The second great commandment is to love our neighbors. We do that by "reaching out." Reaching up and reaching out, both are wonderful reminders to focus on the Savior by reaching up and allowing His grace to lift us, and then reaching out to extend His love to others. Every day there are many ways to lift other's burdens through a kind word, a friendly smile, or an offer of help. As we reach up and reach out, we can receive the rest promised by the Lord.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28)
When we yoke ourselves with Him,
we are lifted up by His grace which then enables us to serve others.
Reach up, feel His love, and then reach out.
Thanks, Margaret, for this chance to focus our spiritual journey on your OLW for this year.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28)
When we yoke ourselves with Him,
we are lifted up by His grace which then enables us to serve others.
Reach up, feel His love, and then reach out.
Thanks, Margaret, for this chance to focus our spiritual journey on your OLW for this year.
Ramona,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was reading blogs morning, I had an image of the Lord holding out his hand for those reaching out to him. Here it is in your magazine cover image. How serendipitous! A sign from the Lord? I hope so. I could use a hand carrying me through the tasks of today. Thank you for this gift.
You're right - we both wrote about reaching up (loving the Lord) and reaching out (loving our neighbors)! Like Carol said, "How serendipitous!" What a beautiful image on the poster.
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