Take a deep breath.
It is 2020.
We have turned the page of the calendar.
We have an opportunity for us to be gathered on this first Sunday of the year,
Renewed,
Refreshed,
Wide-eyed and wondering what this new decade will bring and how in our own lives what we're called to,
How we are being moved by Christ in this world.
What a gift it is to be with you on this first Sunday of this year,
To be reminded that God's grace still abounds,
That the love of Christ that is within us is also for and with all people.
May that be a new year hope.
As you find yourself in this space,
I invite you to take just a moment to take three deep breaths and while you're breathing,
If you are comfortable enough,
Closing your eyes or just lowering your gaze just a few feet in front of you,
Find comfort in the seat that you're in.
Allow the back of the seat to care for you,
To hold you up.
You're safe.
You're loved.
You are accepted.
Take three more deep breaths.
And then come to regular breathing,
Whatever that is for you.
Concentrate only on your breath.
Allow thoughts and feelings to rise and fall.
They're just visitors.
They're just guests for a moment.
Your focus in this time is your breath.
Oh,
The thoughts will return and the feelings will return.
Allow yourself just these moments with your breath.
And relax.
Integrate into your breath practice and appreciation for the gifts that are around you.
Those gifts can be simple.
Clean clothes to wear,
Water to quench your thirst,
Food enough to suffice.
It's in the simple things,
Really,
That call us to appreciation,
Even celebration.
And as you're thinking about and feeling those gifts,
Remind yourself of the giver of the gifts.
God whose love abounds,
Whose brought providential care,
Even in the simplest of gifts,
Enable you to be sustained,
Body,
Mind,
Spirit.
We get so distracted so often with all of the shoulda's,
Woulda's,
And coulda's.
We're always grasping for that next big celebration and miss the simple gifts of friendship,
The simple gifts of a community.
God is the giver of these gifts.
Now that you have realized and appreciated the gifts you've been given,
Focused on the giver if just for a moment,
Now allow yourself to imagine the grace of God,
The one who says at the very beginning of creation,
You are good.
Don't take it from me.
This is scriptural.
It is within you.
You are good.
Allow that to be the imprint on your heart and on your mind.
You are good.
I invite you now to take a few minutes to review your week,
Recognizing the gifts you have,
The giver of the gifts,
And your goodness.
You are good.
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