I have found it very important in my own life to try to let go of my wishes and instead to live in hope. I am finding that when I choose to let go of my sometimes petty and superficial wishes and trust that my life is precious and meaningful in the eyes of God something really new, something beyond my own expectations begins to happen for me. ~Henri Nouwen
Oh hey God, good morning. What is it about dirt and diesel and cinder block that holds my heart so tightly and speaks God’s adoration so loudly? What is it about being surrounded by the lack of sparkling riches that writes Your story of restoration so eloquently?
You have shown me that the greatest beauty of feet in a foreign place is in becoming naked – in being stripped down to flesh and bone redeemed by grace and held together by mercy and offering nothing more than the love that has been poured out on my by a most kind Savior. Pedigrees and positions and providence are rubbish compared to the nakedness of true divine worth. And You have shown me that foreign land is another country and foreign land is the home next door. That the lack is all around me. That Your story is there. That flesh and bone grace is what is desperately needed in both cinder block and castles.
Today, keep me naked. Today, let me see hope. Today, let me live flesh and bone grace.
What does flesh and bone grace look like for you? Have you seen it? And who do you believe is more worthy of receiving it – the poor or the rich? Today, I’m praying we see poverty and hope in new ways.
Last year, I shared the stories about pictures I’ve taken. This year during the month of October, I’m opening up my journal and sharing prayers. They’re not eloquent or poetic – they’re simple honest talks with God. Some prayers are joyful and some are screams. Some are said in the morning and some at night. It’s my hope the words might help someone else find the words.
