recharging

God does work in unique ways. Bishop Schnase's blog today was "running on empty." I could identify with that. I had a goal that this year I would go on personal retreats each quarter. Each time I thought I would go, something happended and I stayed to give myself away rather than go away to get recharged. This weekend Mike and I took time away. We went to a family reunion and spent some time in the country. I was able to read, pray, and recharge. With hectic schedules and demanding work loads, it is easy to be "running on empty." My goal once again is to take a moment during the day, a day during the week, and some days a quarter to plug in with God and get recharge. With God's help when Jesus asks me to go away to a quiet place, I will go.

Wondering

During morning devotion, I read this poem by Rabi'a, a Sufi mystic.

O my Lord,

if I worship you

from fear of hell, burn me in hell.

If I worship you

from hope of paradise, bar me from its gates.

But if I worship you

for yourself alone, grant me then the beauty of your face.

The question became for me, why do I worship God? Do I worship God because God is or because God does? Do I worship God because God loved first or because God promises? Today I will practice worshiping God for God alone. May I be granted the beauty of God's face.