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Pastor Annette's Blog

"OF ALL THE THINGS GOD HAS SHOWN ME, I CAN SPEAK BUT A LITTLE WORD . . . NOT MORE THAN A HONEYBEE CAN CARRY AWAY ON ITS FOOT FROM AN OVERFLOWING JAR."
~ MECHTHILD OF MAGDEBURG, 13TH CENTURY MYSTIC

Gifts from Being Present in the Moment

5/20/2014

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Beloved:
    
      Either the puppy sleeps past 6 am these days or I don’t hear her crying until then.  First we go outside for personal business.  The air is shimmery with new light.  This can take a while as many things must be sniffed, tasted or chased. Back inside they eat breakfast and I make coffee.  In another month we’ll have morning devotionals on the porch but it’s still too chilly now so we pile into the bed with coffee, books and dog toys.  “Scout, drop it NOW!” is my most repeated mantra, followed by, “Give me that!” and, “Stop biting me.”  But every so often all three of us go so silent and still, tuned to to the sound and scent of that shimmery light.  

     I’ve taken pilgrimage to the Holy Land and followed the footsteps of Celtic monastics, spiritual experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything, and money well spent. All to learn that spiritual gain can be neither chased nor purchased, only received. Received only by being present and paying attention.  As likely in Bloomington as Bethlehem or Iona.   Whether awakened by ancient church bells or an assault of licky, furry dog love.

     Almost the instant it’s noticed the moment is gone.  Their wrestling makes the bed an earthquake.  I spill my coffee and kick them onto the back deck.  But the moment holds inside me now, a memory to sustain the spirit as a meal sustains the body.  As we live meal to meal, we are sustained moment to moment.  If we expect to thrive we can no more forget to pray than forget to eat.

     I could go on here, waxing poetic and wise, but the puppy pushed closet door open.  She’s been unloading it shoe by shoe for awhile now.  I pray you find a moment to pay attention and receive a gift today.  peace & prayers, pastor annette



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    I write a Tuesday morning devotional to members and friends of UBC.  It is also posted here. 
     
    Enjoy!  
    Pastor Annette

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    Everything on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons license, which gives you permission to copy freely, provided that you attribute the work to me, that you use the work for non-commercial purposes, and that you do not produce derivative works.

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3740 East 3rd Street
Bloomington, IN 47401
812-339-1404
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  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Staff
    • Annette Hill Briggs, Pastor
    • Rob Drummond ~ Music Minister
  • Listen & Read
    • Sermons
    • Pastor's Blog
    • #ITSYOURCHURCHTOO >
      • About >
        • When & Where?
        • Ministries >
          • Worship >
            • Music
            • Worship Arts
            • Worship Resources
          • Fellowship >
            • Wednesday Night Supper
            • Church Recipes
          • Service >
            • MCUM Collections
            • Habitat for Humanity Project
          • Vacation Bible School
        • Our Story >
          • Denomination
          • Who We Are
        • Contact
        • Calendar
    • Social Media Feed
  • Give
  • Newsletter
  • Recommended Reading