| One afternoon while sitting next to the shoreline, I was attentive to every sound around me. I heard a dog barking, music playing, and people talking as they walked by me; however, there was another sound, and it was stronger than the others. It was rhythmic. It was the waves. As I sat there, I realized the sound of the waves was dominant. Each other sound broke into that rhythm but was out of place, trespassing on what was already there. The other sounds were violations, distractions to the background rhythms of the waves. As I listened to all the sounds of that afternoon by the beach, I kept wondering how many times I am distracted by interruptive sounds. When I overly focus on those disruptive sounds and concentrate on the noise, I miss the beautiful rhythm already established and present. I do the same thing with God. Instead of listening for his voice, which is a constant rhythm in my life, I focus on the one, two, or three distractions that contend for one’s ear. When I focus on the surrounding noise, I miss what is most important. How easy it is to miss the everyday rhythm of God’s work of changing lives, bringing peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. How about you? What sounds capture your attention? Listen today, but not to the disruptions. Listen for that one voice, speaking in the background that wants to remind you of his love and grace.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Matthew 26, Matthew 27, Matthew 28 *Tuesday – 1 Thessalonians 1, 1 Thessalonians 2, 1 Thessalonians 3 *Wednesday – 2 Thessalonians 1, 2 Thessalonians 2, 2 Thessalonians 3 *Thursday – Romans 1, Romans 2, Romans 3, Romans 4 *Friday – Romans 5, Romans 6, Romans 7, Romans 8 Prayer Requests: -Safe travels for those coming and going during Spring Break week -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Guidance for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |