Daily Devotions
Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for April 28, 2020
Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Writing, Opening a Deep Well”
Writing is not just jotting down ideas. Often we say, “I don’t know what to write. I have no thoughts worth writing down.” But much good writing emerges from the process of writing itself. As we simply sit down in front of a sheet of paper and start to express in words what is on our minds or in our hearts, new ideas emerge, ideas that can surprise us and lead us to inner places we hardly knew were there.
One of the most satisfying aspects of writing is that it can open in us deep wells of hidden treasures that are beautiful for us as well as for others to see.
I’d like to share this prayer for nurses by Sister Juliana Casey.
A Blessing for Nurses
May rest find you, In the peaceful moments when all is still, In the quiet times when you pause And breathe.
May rest find you In the chaos of the moment In the sorrow you seek to heal.
May rest strengthen and bless you. May it fill your spirit And give you unearned joy.
May you find rest in the care of others, In the knowledge of your worth, In the value of your service.
May the One who gives rest Bless you and hold you close. And may you, in your very being, Be a place of rest for others.
Amen.
From Voices from the Journey, by Juliana Casey, IHM, published in 2015 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
Here’s some more from pastor and cartoonist Cuyler Black:
Today’s links!
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2020/04/creepy-objects-museums/ This one’s not for the faint of heart…the title says it all: “Intrusive Clowns, Preserved Cats, and Centuries-Old Hair: Museums Are Sharing Their Creepiest Objects.”
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/article241363811.html Americans may be facing a pandemic, but it’s not killing our sense of humor. Here, from The Charlotte Observer, is a collection of just a few of the many jokes, videos, memes, and songs about coronavirus and quarantine that are popping up online.
https://mobile.twitter.com/Goodable/status/1254090994057973766 An 87-year old mom with Alzheimer’s was stuck at home during the lockdown. She was sad because she couldn’t go out for groceries, like she normally does. So what did her son do? He built her a supermarket at home. Then, he took her shopping.
https://tvline.com/feature/free-tv-shows-series-streaming-services-list-1173681/ Since you’re reading this, I’ll assume you’re enough of a techie to appreciate this article listing a variety of free streaming options—just in case you haven’t watched enough TV already.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqJ3p3xkRes&feature=youtu.be This video comes to us courtesy of a recommendation from Bob Rutkowski. Here’s “You Can’t Steal My Shine” by The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.
When you follow the Light of the World, no one can steal your shine! Stay safe.