Today’s scripture: Luke 2:41-51 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
It was while we were waiting for the surgery nurse to take our first born to open heart surgery that I realized how ludicrous and impossible the phrase “Let Go and Let God” is! How many times have I quoted this slogan to people facing really difficult things? Let me publicly apologize for my ignorance and insensitive spirit.
There was no way I could let go. It wasn’t in me. My experience of having to let my little one go off to surgery has made me look at today’s scripture a bit differently.
Mary and Joseph had to have been frantic. They had assumed Jesus was with the relatives headed back home. I can’t imagine their horror (well actually, now I can) when they learned he was not in the caravan. I’m sure some well meaning relative probably said the ancient Hebrew equivalent of “Let God and Let God”! It is clear that Mary and Joseph didn’t let go! They frantically searched until they found Jesus.
So who was it that came up the whole “Let Go and Let God”? It probably is a good idea and something I should move toward, but for now I am more like Mary and Joseph.
Thought for the day: Can we “Let God” while still holding on? That is the question I’ll wrestle with today.
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: Those we know and love who are ill or facing physical challenges.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.