Focus

As we prepare for Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week, no matter how many times I read the story the line, "He set his face towards Jerusalem" always stops me and causes me to reflect.

The line speaks of a clear intention, a focus, a lived commitment to one's why. The line marks the beginning of the final journey to Jerusalem and the Passion.

I would like that kind of commitment and intention. Instead, my attention would be more on watching Jesus and certainly not knowing what was to come. I would be high-fiving and celebrating loudly at the Palm Sunday parade and missing the bigger picture, that the event was the start of something, not the main reason.

The passion and the humanity on full display draws us to Holy Week; the insight into the Christ and the revelation of a God of radical love re-members us to who we are.

Make the journey of Holy Week. Commit to attending the services. Be intentional about the events of the week.

Read. Reflect. Respond. Renew.

sj;

May the odds be ever in your favor...

OK, so I'm one of the many, many who are caught up in the "Hunger Games" craze! Honestly, when the first person told me about the book's premise: a group of children fight to the death --- my reaction was why would anyone want to read that?!!!?

Then, my niece, Lydia, told me about it and said that I should read it. Sold.

I began reading the first book and was sucked into the story immediately. Upon finishing the second one, I promptly ordered the third book on my Kindle. I'm 1/4 of the way through this final book...don't even think of telling me how it ends....pardon that harsh threat yet I still have never gotten over my neighbor telling me that Darth Vader was Luke Sykwalker's father.....

Of course, last evening, I went to see the film and really enjoyed it and am confident I will see it again. What's good is how the movie remains very loyal to the book.

So, what's the draw to this series? First, the strong female character who is resourceful, smart, courageous, strong, and a leader is grand enough reason for every young woman to read this trilogy. Second, perhaps we too can muster courage to stand against all that oppresses. Third, maybe it will cause us to re-think reality television and, oh, I don't know, actually have folks with talent be stars...I'm just saying.....

Throughout all this, I think it is always a good thing when a book series gets kids reading.....that reminds me....I need to go read.....

sj;

Spring has Sprung!

It’s the first day of Spring and it is glorious. I’ve always been one who acknowledges, welcomes, and is energized by the changing seasons. As you may have guessed by my frequent dismay over a lack of winter, I am one who enjoys the slow and noticeable progression into the fullness of the seasons. Our week of temperatures in the 70’s and near 80’s has not had much subtlety.

Yet, it’s officially Spring and everything is in bloom and is beautiful and warm and green and full of possibility.

Our bodies, I believe, are made to be in –tune with the seasons. It is heartening for me to notice parents and children, college buddies, and anyone with a couple of gloves and a ball outside playing a game of catch. ‘Tis the season. We are spending more time near lakes and rivers, rowing our boats and skipping rocks, and casting our lines. Folks are putting out the porch furniture and having dinner on the deck and staying outside longer because the light and temperature allow it.

I’m working to find and to name and to live into and through the current season of my life. I’m not sure what that season is, yet, I know I am moving toward something I need to be deeper and newer; a place of peace and purpose.

Where do you find yourself this start of Spring?

Wherever you claim and name and to be, may it be a place of warmth, of blossoming, of newness.

Blessed be.
sj;