Early Morning Problem Solving (12/18/2024)

This morning, after my morning prayer time, I came to my desk to write the scripture reflection for the day and this blog. Problem was that I had no internet (grumbling was involved). I have had connection problems for over a year now. So, I waited, hoping it would come back on. Waiting didn’t pay off. So, I decided to see if my phone and cable were working. They were. So, I went to the lower level of my home and turned everything off, waited 2 minutes, and turned it back on. And Wala…three minutes later I had internet. Sorry for the delay in posting. The learning curve in my life continues to be steep.

We are rightfully dependent upon our LORD for life and for grace and for direction. But we need to remember, too, how gracious and giving our LORD is. And often, as was the case today, what we need in the moment the LORD has already given to us. It isn’t so much a case of still needing as it is a case of engaging and utilizing what the LORD has already given to us. This morning, it was a case of me realizing finally that perhaps the solution was within my realm, within my capability. Afterwards, I thanked the LORD for the idea that perhaps I could solve the problem and the determination to do it.

In our lives, there are many things that are beyond us, and we must humbly lay our pleas and prayers before the LORD. But there are also many things that the LORD has equipped us to handle if we will only engage the gifts He’s already given to us fully. And even in those instances where we cannot bring the result we seek like the healing of our loved ones, there are many things we can do to comfort and care for these loved ones. The LORD will never abandon us, and the LORD calls us constantly to never abandon what we are gifted to do.

One of my favorite sayings is “Pray to the LORD and keep rowing to shore.” I believe that the LORD is always with me and that He gifts me for the moments and their needs. At times my biggest challenge is realizing what the LORD has gifted me and called me to do in situations of suffering and need.

So many things in our lives are beyond our capability to resolve totally. But that isn’t to say that we haven’t been gifted in ways that contribute to the LORD’s work. We can’t just see the homeless and hungry and say, “LORD, you need to fix this.” We must trust that the LORD is already addressing the need and part of that is giving us the time to go out, help with the food pantry, donate to the groups that are helping those in need, being present and using the gifts the LORD has given to us in real time.

Today’s gospel reading from Matthew tells us of Joseph’s learning of Mary’s pregnancy and deciding to divorce her quietly because he knew he was not the Father. But then he had a dream. The LORD gave Joseph what he needed to do the right thing in the moment. But the decision was always Joseph’s. We are grateful to Joseph for his grasp of the situation and his realization of what he was called to do in the moment and doing it lovingly and faith filled.

As we continue our journeys of faith, hope and love this Advent season, let us never cease to bring our praise as well as our needs to the LORD. And let us always open ourselves to the possibilities when we use fully what the LORD has already given to us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.