As we grow older, it’s easy to become discouraged over unmet goals and broken dreams. Where did the time go? How is it that our sand castles washed away? What really matters to us during our life on earth? What will happen to us after we die? What will remain of the legacy we hoped to pass on? Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter Sunday…a special time to reflect on the ways we have failed in the past year—often despite our best intentions—and our need for restoration and renewal. In many churches, it is a time for practicing foot washing, following the example of Christ, who washed the dust off his disciples’ feet. Today, I hope you take time to reflect on your year and find contentment both in knowing that God will be exalted in the earth and that believers will remain.
Be still: “Be content.” Be still: “Continue to be.”
“Be Still”
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).
Earth.
Time.
Life.
Me.
Earth spins.
Times fly.
Grass greens.
I try.
New earth quakes,
Time to mourn.
Springtime buds,
I’m reborn.
Now earth shakes
Time brings change.
Grass grows tall,
I arrange.
The world turns,
As time goes by;
The flowers bloom,
And so do I.
The world slows,
And seasons change.
The flowers fade.
I rearrange.
The earth stands still;
But seasons pass.
Though life distills,
My heart is glass.
The earth grows old.
This too shall pass.
Dreams drop like rain
On dying grass.
Still earth remains,
Though time stands still.
The grass is gone,
But I am still.
(Kathryn W. Armstrong, April 07, 2017)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).
(P.S.—If you’d like to attend a Maundy Thursday service and live near Grand Rapids, we’re having one at Calvary Church (on the Beltline) at 7:00 pm.)
Summer Setting 