"Daybreak"--Things That Make Life Meaningful

Our midweek Lenten Study–”meeting God: no steeple required”–began on Wednesday evening, February 29, in Friendship Place. It is based on a video series entitled “aCross creation” that has been written by the Rev. Amy Lippoldt, pastor of Woodland United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas.

There are twelve episodes available, and we are using five of them during this study. They focus on a particular theme, reference a specific scripture, and are filmed at various locations in Kansas and Colorado. The episodes  that we are using are:

• “Daybreak” (Genesis 1:1-4)–(Flint Hills, near Matfield Green, Kansas)
• “A Consuming Fire” (Exodus 24:12-18)–(Wet Mountains, near Westcliffe, Colorado)
• “Washed by Grace” (Matthew 3:13-17 )–(Butcher Falls near Sedan, Kansas
• “Shifting Sands” (Matthew 7:24-27)–(Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
• “Follow Me” (Matthew 8:18-22)–(Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, in central Kansas)

The first session dealt with “daybreak,” with reference to God’s creation of light on the first day of creation. We were reminded that “each sunrise represents God’s gift of life,” and we were invited to “write a list of the things that make your life meaningful.” I didn’t quite get mine done at daybreak today, but here there are:

• The chance to live another day;
• A heart that is in rhythm;
• People who love me and people to love;
• The sights and  sounds of children (especially grandchildren!);
• A purpose in life and the power to live;
• Colleagues, however old or young they may be;
• A refreshing nap once a day (or more often as needed);
• A dog who looks past my faults;
• The opportunity to live a life that “becomes the gospel;”
• Light in the midst of darkness.

Yes, I know that there is nothing spectacular or extraordinary about the list, but I think that is part of the point. It is the ordinary things that help to make life meaningful.

Lord, thank you for your power and presence. Thank you for your gifts in abundance that make life meaningful. Help me to live in a spirit of gratitude, and guide me to welcome each new day as a yet another gift from you. Amen.

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