The Lilies of the Field is one of my favorite books/movies of all time. I have watched the movie over and over again throughout my life -- often during this time of year. I love the story of faith, reluctance, will, patience and perseverance all tied up in one story.
I see myself in Homer Smith, the main character of the story, played by Sidney Poitier. When charged to build a chapel by a ruthless Mother Superior, Smith is a willing but reluctant participant.
In the story line, Homer repeatedly tries to abandon the building of the chapel. He wants to walk away, run, give up. Difficult people and circumstances as well as personal challenges add to his lack of enthusiasm for the project. Homer, however, gradually becomes changed in his inner life and is persistently cheered on by the spiritual figures around him. Ultimately, he is unable to abandon what he knows he needs to do for his soul. So with help -- and accepting help is a significant part of the story -- he completes the building.
Homer's story is not unlike many of ours where a dream is fulfilled through a calling, collaboration, and agreement.
The story line tugs on my own heart. I search for what it is that I have started but then abandoned in my life. A relationship, a project, a story, a dream. I want to pick things back up if it is God's will. I believe in the "church" of my life being built and completed. In order to get there, however, I have to face my resistance, fear and bitterness and push past the obstacles in my path. Yet, in order to succeed, I also need to celebrate my well-entrenched discipline, strong faith and willingness to persevere. In fact, we each must sit with the duality of our personhood. Perhaps, that is the good news.
What is life calling you to finish? Have you abandoned or put something down that God would have you pick back up again? Have you put a dream or many dreams on hold? Thinking it can't happen or you don't have the strength? Have you asked for help? Pray to God about what to do next.
In this Season of RENEWAL, may God bless ALL of you (and God is blessing you), and may these next two holy weeks fill your heart and mind with more of God and God's gracious will for your life.
Love,
Blessed
May all things be renewed in God's bright light.
I see myself in Homer Smith, the main character of the story, played by Sidney Poitier. When charged to build a chapel by a ruthless Mother Superior, Smith is a willing but reluctant participant.
In the story line, Homer repeatedly tries to abandon the building of the chapel. He wants to walk away, run, give up. Difficult people and circumstances as well as personal challenges add to his lack of enthusiasm for the project. Homer, however, gradually becomes changed in his inner life and is persistently cheered on by the spiritual figures around him. Ultimately, he is unable to abandon what he knows he needs to do for his soul. So with help -- and accepting help is a significant part of the story -- he completes the building.
Homer's story is not unlike many of ours where a dream is fulfilled through a calling, collaboration, and agreement.
The story line tugs on my own heart. I search for what it is that I have started but then abandoned in my life. A relationship, a project, a story, a dream. I want to pick things back up if it is God's will. I believe in the "church" of my life being built and completed. In order to get there, however, I have to face my resistance, fear and bitterness and push past the obstacles in my path. Yet, in order to succeed, I also need to celebrate my well-entrenched discipline, strong faith and willingness to persevere. In fact, we each must sit with the duality of our personhood. Perhaps, that is the good news.
What is life calling you to finish? Have you abandoned or put something down that God would have you pick back up again? Have you put a dream or many dreams on hold? Thinking it can't happen or you don't have the strength? Have you asked for help? Pray to God about what to do next.
In this Season of RENEWAL, may God bless ALL of you (and God is blessing you), and may these next two holy weeks fill your heart and mind with more of God and God's gracious will for your life.
Love,
Blessed
May all things be renewed in God's bright light.