“Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:15-16
I read this scripture this morning (Wednesday) during the Prayer & Inspiration meditation that I do on Facebook Live and it was really something I needed to hear this morning. I feel my attention/focus has been all over the place. I’m sure if you could look into my head you would see a hundred whirling dervishes! You ever feel that way?
The practice of prayer and meditation helps me to clear up mental space and become focused. It allows me to focus on those things that need to be done at that moment and to do so with peace. It has taken time and practice to give myself permission to not try to achieve perfection, only progress. I know that not everything is always going to get done when I would have preferred, which usually means I put too much on the plate to begin with. And so I just don’t stress about it – I turn to my practice of going within. I breathe into it so that I may walk from it. I continue to focus on this practice so I may continue to make progress, not perfection.
I want to share a part of that meditation message with you. It is adapted from an older Daily Word:
Keeping my focus on the presence of God within brings clarity to my life. Despite the turbulence around me, I can remain focused and centered on the spirit of God within me. With my attention on God and by keeping it there, I will find the answers to any questions I may have and the solutions to any problems that I may face. God’s presence within me is unchanging and constant. In God’s presence, I receive love and acceptance that enable me to view the world with greater understanding, compassion and love.
Love, Light & Sparkles,
Rev. Carol Moncada
Interim Minister