Which Daily Truths

Every truth must be accompanied by some corresponding act.
–George MacDonald

I know certain truths, but it doesn’t make them any easier to follow. Some truths make sense, and they are often for my protection and well-being. Still I falter, especially when it involves discipline. That is why I envisioned using this space as my accountability partner, I know myself too well and any practice with the word “daily” in it is going to be a struggle. Of course, there are some daily exercises in which I excel: eating, checking email (responding is a different action), telling my husband I love him, taking my iron pill, brushing my tooth (that’s for you Herman), feeding the dogs, and recently I’ve added checking Facebook, There’s a gamut of obvious actions that don’t fall within that narrow spectrum, one being physical exercise. My physical being has been mired my entire life by lack of coordination, gracefulness, awareness, and athletic ability I can walk, but not in heels. I would love to do Tai Chi in front of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise like they show on TV. I think of martial arts as being a disciplined art of movement and mind. One teacher noticed that his

"students would speed up the movements they are unsure of, as if that would help. Of course it's the other way around. Only by slowing down at moments of uncertainty are you able to correct them.”

That seems to be where I am stuck these days. I could quickly add a note each day, or almost every day, to follow along with my initial goal, but it might be choppy and rushed to meet a time limit. Or I can move more slowly and deliberately, adding by inspiration and not the hour. I can do fast and choppy, that’s Facebook lingo. I can do mini-epics, that’s my nature. I know daily prayers increase strength just as continued exercise builds muscle memory. It’s been a year since I’ve started this journey and it’s a good time to evaluate the process. Have I strayed? Do I just need to toughen up? Do I need to set new goals? Lent is an ideal time to roam in the desert, to slow down for moments of uncertainty and check for correction.


My prayer for the congregation?

Our Lord, You meet us in the desert knowing its challenges all too well. We have the benefit of your presence, your courage, and your experience of sifting through the world’s temptations and following the true course. While the desert seems bleak and desolate there is life and beauty still. Help us to find that beauty within our own souls, to renew our life as a Christ follower, and to accept this desert time as a slower pace to reflect on those truths which we must take action. Amen.