Small Revelations

Passion is feeling in motion
Compassion is standing still
This isn't just a vocation
Hearing is letting it happen
But to listen's a work of will
Beware of cheap imitations
Thankful for small revelations.
- Small Revelations, Chris Smither

I keep reading the lines to this song, finding new ways to read it, new things to appreciate, and new meanings to interpret. These beautiful words are sung with the blues and unexpected chords. I don't know if anyone likes songs in minor keys any more than I do, which seems a little surprising since I'm a sunny Pollyanna, finding the glass 3/4-full and offering to top it off. I've never seen an article that has attributed personality traits to one's musical chord preference as they do with colors and shapes. There probably has been some doctorate study; I'm just not on that reading program. If the Bible were sung as a musical, which stories of the bible would be sung in the minors? The journey of Exodus? The road to Egypt? The walk of the Good Samaritan? God searching for Adam and Eve in the Garden? Solomon's songs of love? My response would most likely be "compassion is standing still" but these minor chords allow me to touch passion, a "feeling in motion." But there are small, and large, revelations in each.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You fill our days with revelations! You divulge your passion as you sweep through as a mighty wind, yielding the Spirit's course as it encircles those with willing hearts and ears. You impart your compassion as the still small voice yielding a listening ear for those who call your name. Let us follow Jesus, the genuine model of passion and compassion, who offers energetic, unrestrained actions of love and passion yet also, provides calming acts of inclusion and compassion. There is so much revealed about boundless love in each. May we find new ways to listen to your call in our lives and in the life of our congregation. We are truly thankful for each revelation of your majesty, small and large. Amen.