As I was brooming snow this morning I reflected again on how much my personal \u201cnorm\u201d for cold weather has changed. I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, (think lake effect snow and Notre Dame) and I lived for eight years in Chicago.\u00a0I know about snow and cold weather.\u00a0I also know that since I moved to Lynchburg eleven years ago I have become quite accustomed to the mild winters and the total shut- down that occurs when Southerners see a few flakes.\u00a0 My goddaughters in the Chicago area have fewer snow days that we do in Lynchburg<\/i>.\u00a0I no longer own a heavy coat, never needed a snow blower and have a snow shovel more for nostalgia\u2019s sake than for regular use.\u00a0The old broom worked very well this morning.\u00a0It all depends on what you are used to.<\/p>\n
In some ways having set patterns and disciplines are very helpful.\u00a0Parenting books are full of advice on bedtime routines that children need to feel safe and thrive.\u00a0Every January news and talk shows tout the importance of an exercise routine.\u00a0If you have a pattern and a habit, you are more likely to stick with it and have more long-term success.<\/p>\n
I also know that I am very blessed to live in such a way where I take many of the simple routines of life for granted.\u00a0I have plumbing and hot water, I do not grow my own food, and except for fasting before the staff and faculty wellness testing this week, I do not go hungry.\u00a0 I drive to work most days and enjoy the freedom to make most of my own choices.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, helpful routines are often one small step away from a rut.\u00a0Many of the mainline Protestant churches spent decades expecting members to show up routinely every Sunday morning and failed to inspire or nourish folks spiritually.\u00a0They got in a rut because they forgot to change with the generations and respond to culture in new ways. I often find myself buying the same items at the grocery store every Tuesday evening until the family voices unhappiness about eating the same things.<\/p>\n
So I share with you today the challenge to make sure you are always a bit uncomfortable in your faith journey.\u00a0Make sure that you are always growing and stretching.\u00a0Make sure you are always reflecting on the things you take for granted.\u00a0Make sure your patterns do not become ruts.\u00a0 What are you used to?<\/p>\n
Thank you, God, for all the comforts and joys that I am used to. Blessings, Stephanie<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As I was brooming snow this morning I reflected again on how much my personal \u201cnorm\u201d for cold weather has changed. I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, (think lake effect snow and Notre Dame) and I lived for eight …<\/p>\n
\nGrant this day, that I may be challenged by myself and by my faith.
\nGrant me holy discomfort so that I will want better for myself and better for others.
\nHelp me to practice disciplined self-care and honor that I am created in Your image,
\nbut challenge me to thoughtful reflection and a hope for deeper, more celebratory living.
\nGrant me anger at injustice and exploitation, particularly oppression that has become the status quo.
\nHelp me to confront complacency whenever it ignores the suffering of others and grant my heart a restless longing for Your Kingdom.
\nAmen.<\/em><\/p>\n