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| St. James Episcopal Church, Lake George NY |
This is the culmination of 2 years and 8 months of prayer ... not only my prayers but the many who walked this journey with me. And, it answers the prayers of the St. James' Family who have asked God to grant them discernment and wisdom during their search for their next Rector.
What amazes me is God's incredible weaving of all the various strands of prayer. Every thread of warp and woof (or is it weft?) of this tapestry was woven so that at the perfect time we would come together in agreement that this was indeed God's plan. Over the past years it took great courage for all of us ... those who prayed with us and for us as well as for the Vestry, Search Committee, and me ... to say "no" when our hearts wanted to say "yes", and to wait when we wanted to act. One of the greatest lessons in all of this has been learning to listen to the heart of God for what He wanted to do ... in us and through us.
The lectionary for this coming Sunday talks about Solomon asking God for wisdom to lead the people of God. "Understanding mind" can be translated "listening heart". We all need to ask God for "listening hearts" – hearts that are tuned to His frequency, listening for His voice, His transmission of what he desires for us, His blessing for us. There are so many times we want to jump ahead, get going, step on the gas ... but He asks us to wait, say "no", be still. Ugh! Please can't we get going?
No. Wait. Listen. And, Understand.
Solomon asked for a heart that listened to the heart of God in order to govern and lead His people. Don't we need that same listening in order to live this life with{IN} Christ? It's not necessarily something that comes naturally BUT we can learn to do. I know we can, because I have learned to do this over the last few years. (And, I continue to learn!) I testify that it reveals the wonderful and amazing ways of our Master. I witnessed how he marvelously provided for me over the last few years and now, I get to go to St. James, Lake George. What a blessing!
Ask with me. Ask for the LORD God to grant us listening hearts that will understand and discern the ways of God that we may live life wisely ... full of His grace and peace.
Abundant and scandalous blessings of God our Father to you as you listen for Him. +++
