Daily Devotion

Sue Matz

Jeremiah 29:11  “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

A 2020 calendar hangs in our office with pictures from our previous year’s journey. It has pictures of family, including a new grandson, our son’s new home and travel adventures we had during the year.  The June page has pictures of our pilgrimage last year on the Camino in Spain.  One thing that became clear to me in Spain was that a pilgrimage is much more about the journey than the destination.  There were things I needed to let go of that got in the way of my spiritual discernment. I am more attentive and alert and vulnerable when on a journey, and reflecting on the experience is important.  Pictures are one way I like to look back and reflect.  When I pass the calendar, I pause and my heart smiles as I remember what it felt like to be walking that ancient path, the beauty of nature, the tiny villages, the hospitality of the people, the friends new and old. 

This year one thing that I had to let go of was our planned travel.  It wasn’t without resistance on my part as I love the adventure and discovery of traveling to new places or to visit family. This year my journey has been to my own yard where my senses have been opened to the beauty of the many plants, the scent of flowers, the taste of veggies fresh from the garden, the chirping of birds (Are there more birds this year or am I just paying more attention?). 

Spending much more time at home gave me more time to tend and to enjoy this bit of space where I am currently the caretaker.  My journey has been to the ports of cool, rainy spring and sweltering, dry early summer and hot, humid late summer.  I look forward to the port of dry, crisp autumn.  I have been given the extra time to enjoy the promise and arrival of flowers, vegetables, birds and butterflies and moss in the brick path.  I have had to practice hospitality as I share veggies with the rabbits and squirrels who find fencing a challenge to be mastered, although it has been fun watching these little clowns play. 

Sometimes I have to remind myself how fortunate I am as I sit one more day at home, but then God points me outside to explore the secrets hiding in my own back yard where my soul finds peace. Is there something you should let go of that is blocking your path to where God is leading?  Where are you finding peace during the pandemic?