February 28, 2024 ~ 3rd Wednesday in Lent
~ Reinhold Neibuhr*
I read once that, if
Christianity is so wonderful, why do Christians often look as though they're
sucking lemons? Especially in this penitential season of Lent, some of us might
be taking it all so seriously that we miss the lightness, the joy, and, the
humor we are to have in life as a Christian. Had a good laugh lately?
Start by consciously, intentionally smiling more often.
Oh Jesus,
There's so much about my relationship with you that I've been taught should be quiet, restrained, serious, and even meek. I've memorized "The Don't List" ~ don't do this, don't do that [ok, so I know that You know that I may have done a don't, or maybe two]. But now that I think about it, surely You had fun with friends, enjoyed a good dinner, and even laughed out loud. I'm starting to realize that I might be less likely to do things on the don't list if I lighten up and experience the wonder of the gift that Your life has given me. For today, I'll give up feeling deprived in Lent. I'll take on finding one thing to laugh out loud about that is good-spirited, delight-full, and soul-satisfying. I'll pray in thanksgiving for the living legacy of Faith that fills me with eagerness to be a happier reflection of life with You that shines through everything I do. amen.
There's so much about my relationship with you that I've been taught should be quiet, restrained, serious, and even meek. I've memorized "The Don't List" ~ don't do this, don't do that [ok, so I know that You know that I may have done a don't, or maybe two]. But now that I think about it, surely You had fun with friends, enjoyed a good dinner, and even laughed out loud. I'm starting to realize that I might be less likely to do things on the don't list if I lighten up and experience the wonder of the gift that Your life has given me. For today, I'll give up feeling deprived in Lent. I'll take on finding one thing to laugh out loud about that is good-spirited, delight-full, and soul-satisfying. I'll pray in thanksgiving for the living legacy of Faith that fills me with eagerness to be a happier reflection of life with You that shines through everything I do. amen.
Reinhold Niebuhr [1892-1971] was an American Reformed theologian,
ethicist, and professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City for more
than 30 years. Two of his most influential books are Moral Man and Immoral Society and The Nature and Destiny of Man. Along
with an extensive biography and body of work, Niebuhr was awarded the
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, the highest US civilian
award. After working with labor and working classes,
in 1944 he wrote The
Children of Light and the Children of Darkness in which he
said, "Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible; but
man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary." His
theo-philosophical perspective became known as Christian
Realism. He received the Presidential of Freedom in 1964 from President
Lyndon Johnson. Niebuhr is best known for his "Serenity Prayer"
although most often it is only the first few lines that people know. The
following is the complete text as he is said to have written it:
God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.
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