Daily Devotion

by Amy Johnson and Vernon Hartman

by Amy Johnson and Vernon Hartman

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

Our faith journey continues to be subtle, sustaining, surprising, and a bead of consistency in these difficult times.  A year ago we began daily devotions (Sarah Young:  Jesus Calling) accompanied by the Lutheran Bible, taking time each morning to, as we refer to it, “devote.”  Many of the devotions emphasize letting go of one’s instinct to “control” every aspect of life, and trust God to give us the clarity to see what should be seen and done (or what He wants us to see and do), and having the vulnerability to be open to seeing challenges as they are actually presented (as opposed to what has been anticipated) and to willingly slow things down.  This discipline, along with the altered social situation everyone is experiencing, helped open our eyes to many things otherwise missed – notably the small acts of kindness and courtesy that are so much more evident in these times of limited person-to-person contact.  Little things have become sources of grace and joy. And the rediscovery of nuance and meaning in familiar passages of scripture has been a profound gift as well.

When the lockdowns began we were ironically seeking a few days of solitude, taking a long-planned “getaway” to Murphin Ridge Inn (familiar to Amy as the locale for her Mind-Body training retreats) about an hour east of Cincinnati in Adams County.  What an unexpected preparation for the months to come – almost total isolation in a lovely cabin amidst the gently rolling hills of Amish country, savoring almost total silence (except for the wind) and the brilliant night sky absent omnipresent city lights.  When we returned to town, it was quite evident that our sojourn was God’s way of preparing us for the challenges ahead, the calm amidst perceived chaos, seeing God through nature, and finding peace without expectations.  We eagerly await the occasion to return to that sublime retreat.

We have taken the opportunity to savor the loveliness that surrounds us, notably by driving west along the river every weekend, visiting the bountiful farm stands and nurseries that flourish beyond North Bend, and taking great joy in the warm bucolic blanket that thrives so close to our city. 

We are trying to learn above all to see every day as it unfolds and to do what the Holy Spirit calls us to do rather than some over-thought “to do” list.

Being home (just the two of us) for the holidays was a rare and precious gift.  We took the time to celebrate Advent without the pressures of work and travel, and this Lenten season we hope to do the same.

As for scripture, we have also cherished the many passages in our devotions that say, basically, “Jesus is calling out to you – stop having an agenda and hear Him.”

1 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Danelle Buelsing

It's inspiring to see how the discipline of your daily devotions has shaped your time and attitudes over the last year. Thank you for sharing your story!

2/23/2021 11:05 PM

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