Praise and thanksgiving
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4
We awoke to the stready flow of movement this morning.
The click and clack of shoes hitting the pavement as people made their way to and from work.
Cars below us giving their short beeps to move the car in front of them along or to jump into the roundabout where each car can barely put a sheet of paper between each bumper.
The solitude of the Galilee behind us.
Deliberately and slowly we blessed our food and gave thanks for the journey that we had traveled.
We were not yet ready for the hustle and bustle of the city but our home was calling. Climbing down the large stone steps we found our place in the morning shade. We sat, we gave thanks once again and we entered the Holy City with reverence.
It was a quiet and harsh day for our souls. The push and the pull of the city was a bit overwhelming. All senses were on overload as we walked the narrow streets with the vibrant fabrics and the intense smell of spices along with fruits and vegetables. Our minds trying to catch up to the commerce that surrounded us. Our souls trying to make the leap from walking in the steps of Jesus to the busyness that envaded all parts of our being today.
Then came the journey through the Western Wall tunnels. Touching stone that King Herod had designed and brought into this area. Witnessing the determination that the Romans had in destroying the wall of Herod and making it their own. Putting the souls of our shoes upon the rocks the Romans laid for their main street. Meandering through the aquaduc that held their water. Being as close to the holy of holies that you could possibly be without being on the Temple Mount itself.
Gladness
Thanksgiving
Joy
Awe
Just a few days ago we were standing in Zippori at the Roman crossroad and traversed over their stones within our path...and today they connected us to the Holy of Holies.
I think the Apprentices of Jesus and Jesus himself would have felt a bit overwhelmed when they made their enterance into this holy city. Surely it took them the day to get us to the movement happening all around them and the pressing of people that were making their way into the city for their holy pilgrimage. Last night as the sun was fading we entered the city and stood atop the Mount of Olives and I couldn't help but think that surely Jesus gave thanks for all that was before him.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the movement in your life?
Do you awaken with the noise of the world pressing in upon your heart and soul?
Have the colors around you faded into muted dullness?
May you rise today willing to step into the noise of the world.
Gracious and Holy One, as my friends rise around your amazing globe would you plant their feet upon a step of thanksgiving this day. May they be able to look around and fine just one thing that connects them into your presence and your purpose for their lives. May they experience the holiness of you bringing them into your courts of compassion and mercy today. Call my friends home to stand with you today. Amen
We awoke to the stready flow of movement this morning.
The click and clack of shoes hitting the pavement as people made their way to and from work.
Cars below us giving their short beeps to move the car in front of them along or to jump into the roundabout where each car can barely put a sheet of paper between each bumper.
The solitude of the Galilee behind us.
Deliberately and slowly we blessed our food and gave thanks for the journey that we had traveled.
We were not yet ready for the hustle and bustle of the city but our home was calling. Climbing down the large stone steps we found our place in the morning shade. We sat, we gave thanks once again and we entered the Holy City with reverence.
It was a quiet and harsh day for our souls. The push and the pull of the city was a bit overwhelming. All senses were on overload as we walked the narrow streets with the vibrant fabrics and the intense smell of spices along with fruits and vegetables. Our minds trying to catch up to the commerce that surrounded us. Our souls trying to make the leap from walking in the steps of Jesus to the busyness that envaded all parts of our being today.
Then came the journey through the Western Wall tunnels. Touching stone that King Herod had designed and brought into this area. Witnessing the determination that the Romans had in destroying the wall of Herod and making it their own. Putting the souls of our shoes upon the rocks the Romans laid for their main street. Meandering through the aquaduc that held their water. Being as close to the holy of holies that you could possibly be without being on the Temple Mount itself.
Gladness
Thanksgiving
Joy
Awe
Just a few days ago we were standing in Zippori at the Roman crossroad and traversed over their stones within our path...and today they connected us to the Holy of Holies.
I think the Apprentices of Jesus and Jesus himself would have felt a bit overwhelmed when they made their enterance into this holy city. Surely it took them the day to get us to the movement happening all around them and the pressing of people that were making their way into the city for their holy pilgrimage. Last night as the sun was fading we entered the city and stood atop the Mount of Olives and I couldn't help but think that surely Jesus gave thanks for all that was before him.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the movement in your life?
Do you awaken with the noise of the world pressing in upon your heart and soul?
Have the colors around you faded into muted dullness?
May you rise today willing to step into the noise of the world.
Gracious and Holy One, as my friends rise around your amazing globe would you plant their feet upon a step of thanksgiving this day. May they be able to look around and fine just one thing that connects them into your presence and your purpose for their lives. May they experience the holiness of you bringing them into your courts of compassion and mercy today. Call my friends home to stand with you today. Amen
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