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Minister's Minute

Life imitates repairs

I started noticing it was taking longer to brake, and then the brake light went on and stayed on. When I finally went to get my brakes replaced, the garage called to tell me the brakes were fine, but they were way out of adjustment. I find it so amazing how often life imitates car repairs.

Becoming ill over the holidays was a symptom (like the red light on the dashboard) there was something out of adjustment in my life.

Thankfully my braking system is adjustable. The way I have been led to address this serious problem is through contemplation. MerriamWebster defines it this way: 1 a: concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion; b: a state of mystical awareness of God's being; 2: an act of considering with attention: study; 3: the act of regarding steadily.

From Lynda Chalmers' blog, 40 Days of Contemplative Ways, I am learning that contemplation is, in part, "...about recognizing, caring and living the gift of our work in a meaningful way. It is about attending to the rhythms and seasons of our lives, leaving space for rest and renewal."

Jesus says to me (and to us all), "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

(Matthew 11: 28-30).