“I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.”
— Augusten Burroughs

Would I?

Mark 1: 14-20

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Would I follow as readily? Would I leave EVERYTHING to be a disciple of this magnetic man? I would like to say yes, but Lord my heart is full of lesser things I have come to love. Please help me to truly hear your call and to know where you would have me follow.

How I feel of late.......

My new job is asking more of me than one person can possibly accomplish. I'm very torn over what to do, but I know I can't handle this level of stress for much longer. If I leave, over 200 people will have no way to renew their insurance that provides life saving medications, and I'll have no income. If I stay, the intense stress will continue to wear me down and I'll continue to be miserable. I can't see a solution, but things will come to a head soon. I just wish I could get away and forget.........

Epiphany: And the Gentiles shall stream to His light......

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
for darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Isaiah 60.1-6

The Magi who sought the One who's birth was heralded by a star have long been thought to represent the whole of humankind who come to recognise the significance of the humble birth in Bethlehem. Today, we who follow the One so revealed to the nations call ourselves the Body of Christ. We claim to be the very presence of Christ in the world. The Magi were enthralled with the Child of Bethlehem and offered gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh. What response do we provoke when "the world" looks at us people of faith?