Psalm 51:11
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
At times, my attitude has become pretty poor over the past couple of years when it comes to life in general. True confessions from a Faith Leader! There are days I groan getting out of bed in the morning and dragging myself to work. There are days I can’t even get out of my own way- never mind getting out of the way of the car next to me, the person in line at the gas station, or the occasional turkey crossing the street (literally and figuratively). I got mad at my pony for being pushy about his breakfast and then got madder when he turns right around around and tries to bite my mare- who quickly runs away from him. And then….I pause. My attitude matters- my spirit matters. Because it causes a chain reaction.
The verse from Psalm 51 bit ME this week.
I lay on a stretcher this week having carpal tunnel surgery under local anesthetic- so totally awake. I was having one of those days- common on Fridays- and I just wanted it to be over. A young nurse was assigned to me, just to talk me though the procedure. A small kindness which shocked my now-cynical heart. Christina was her name. She actually asked me if I was the type that preferred to talk or the type to just be quiet and rest. I told her I just wanted to rest. But she didn’t give up on me. Sensing my not-right spirit she gently began to ask me about myself- genuinely interested, and shared a bit of her own story. The time flew by. Her “right spirit” shone through, making the whole experience not only bearable but meaningful – her kind spirit smoothing out the rough edges of my own. Time flew by.
Create in me O God, a clean heart- free of despair- anger- cynicism. And thank-you O God, for sending Christina- to renew a right spirit within me. Amen.
Come join us as together we restore our hearts and spirits during Faithwaze this week. Learn and share how God creates clean hearts and spirits- in each and every one of us.
