Power of Poems

Connecting with our Creator

I happen to be back from a two week vacation. It was a perfect mix of friends, family, celebrations, transitions, and food. I had days floating on the river laughing with friends. We did not watch the clock. We did not stress about the health of the next meal. Our bath was in the river and most of us did not stare at the screens that usually take up a majority of our day. And instead of the internet entertaining us it was creation.

I was entertained by God’s creation the water, bugs, dirt, wood, fire, fish… I can actually say that I walked on the earth everyday during vacation. In my normal routine I can’t say the same. I usually go from the garage to the car to the parking lot to the church via a sidewalk. Even if I run errands I don’t tend to walk on the actual earth.

I suppose I don’t really have to wonder why I always feel so much better after a vacation with my friends at the dirty outdoor log cabin. There is a quote by John Burroughs that comes to mind, "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more." I have renewed a connection with my Creator. My senses exude with extravagance. Yet, after two weeks I was overjoyed to rinse off in good old city water. And even though I am clean today I look back and say, “I may have been dirty, but I was whole.”

Leaving your garbage at the Cross

By: Joseph Murdy
This past Sunday our scripture reading was from Matthew, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” What a wonderful and liberating opportunity Jesus offers us, to give him all our burdens. Our burdens, sins, and guilt can build up like garbage. Sometimes it can get so overwhelming; we get lost and can’t find our way through the clutter. We hold on to our garbage, and become like “spiritual hoarders of sin and shame.” I sense a new TV series.

There is a story about a pastor who was counseling a couple. For weeks, they came into his office, an office which also had a door leading to the furnace room. For weeks, they pointed fingers; they blamed each other and brought up decade’s worth of accusations. Until one day, the pastor had enough, and had them write all of their complaints on long sheets of paper. After writing and writing he then brought in a trash can. “Now, put your garbage in here,” he said, “I’m going to put it in the furnace room, if you ever want your garbage back again, you know where to find it. But today, youre walking out of here and leaving your garbage behind.”

When Jesus carried his cross to Calvary and took upon himself the sins of the world what he essentially did was take all our garbage with him. Jesus tells us that if we are tired of carrying our heavy burdens, if we are tired of carrying the shame and guilt of always messing up, then he will take it ALL from us. Why carry your sins around with you today. Ask God for forgiveness, and it will be yours. If it helps, write down what’s been weighing on your heart. Write down all of the garbage you have been holding on to and carrying all by yourself. Crinkle it up, and put it where it belongs…in the trash. With God, forgiveness is not only possible…it’s a promise we have every day when we turn to God. If you are tired, turn to Jesus, and find “rest for your souls.”