Friday, May 16

By E.J. Chappelle of Rosharon, Texas, USA

But strive first for the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

—Matthew 6:33, adapted NRSV

My goal was to save the sawdust silo squad some work. I climbed down into the filled hoppers of the dust collector to inspect the filters from below. Any leaky filter would have sawdust inside. But once I stepped on the surface of the soft sawdust, I became disoriented in the dense cloud of falling dust and uneven surfaces.

I fell into the dust and found I couldn’t stand back up, or even see past the end of my arm. My respirator was clogging up, and I lost my flashlight. I couldn’t tell which way was up.

I have experienced disorientation at different times, and in different ways. Most times the disorientation was less worrisome than that dust-collector experience.

Jesus encourages us to seek God’s kingdom first. The assurance is that all else will take care of itself. I like to think of a heavenly paradise in the sky, though I know that is way too simple a vision. When moral dilemmas, confusions, or difficult choices confront me, I try to remember to think in a different way—to look for God’s kingdom and discover what the Creator wants for me. It may not always seem what I want at first.

In the dust collector I wanted out as I thrashed about. I needed to know which way was up. Calm came when I realized the filters had to be above me. I found my flashlight and soon saw the filter bottoms. The panic instantly vanished. All I had to do was reach up, grasp a filter, and pull myself onto my feet above the sawdust. Once reoriented in the up direction, I shook the sawdust off me and the respirator. I then finished the inspections. If only it was as easy in finding the right way when seeking God’s kingdom.

Prayer for Peace

Direct us, God, as we form into disciples for Christ. Help us seek your kingdom by sharing Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: Making Responsible Choices

Prayerfully seek God’s guidance in your choices. The practice of discernment invites us to orient our lives toward God and God’s vision for us and creation. Begin by reviewing the responsibilities and opportunities in the day before you. Take these choices into prayer, asking God for wisdom and insight about what matters most.

Offer yourself to God using the prayer of Teresa of Avila: “God, what do you want of me today?” Sit prayerfully with this question as you review the day again. Be aware of images, thoughts, names, or actions that come to you. Ask for a blessing to live this day responsibly and compassionately in the Spirit of Christ.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, the first step I will take is to open myself to your direction in my life.