Daily Devotion

by Mary Adams

by Mary Adams

1 Corinthians 13:13 - There are in the end three things that last:  Faith, Hope, and Love.  And the greatest of these is Love.

It’s been a rough patch in our family’s story.  Out of the blue last fall came a major loss; we had no way to see it coming and it devastated us.  One of our children, one of our daughter-in-law’s husband, gone.  Poof!  Just like that.  

Matthew, we love you and miss you every day, dear.

We are recovering.  The support of our Good Shepherd family is part of why and we thank you.  We’ve learned more about grief and we’ve been reminded in countless ways that love is what lasts, uplifts, serves, and supports.  It inspires, too.  God is love.

The Holy Spirit is always around, you know, and shows up in the most surprising places.  Here were two places the Holy Spirit has surprised me in already in 2021:

1) In an e-book, while reading the wonderful Cloudstreet written by Australian Tim Winton. The story is a 20-year saga of two families living in Perth during the 1940’s into the early 1960’s.  Life being what it is their story is full of joy, loss, mis-steps & corrections, and the jumble & tumble of daily life. In one episode the strong mother of one family is mourning the loss of her second son: “Oriel Lamb, being the sort of woman who resolved to do things, decided to make a recovery. . . knowing that not even she could conquer grief by force of will, she decided on a lesser conquest.”  Oriel competes with a local shop owner and destroys their business.  That business’ father, embroiled in another issue too, abandons his family.  Oriel confronts her sin with shame.   So, the Holy Spirit delivers a cautionary tale in an e-book.  

2) In a box, while organizing some fun winter-time materials for residents in Graceworks Lutheran Services’ St. Marks Community in Milford.   I’d ordered some sweet notecards for residents to color and share.  They arrived and I opened the box.  Boom . . . there was the Holy Spirit with this message on the cards box: “Delightfully detailed cards to color and share God’s love, peace & joy.”  SHARE.  GOD’S.  LOVE.  PEACE.  JOY.  Ok, and to use Pastor Heidi’s words, “I’ve got my marching orders”.

Oriel Lamb’s husband Lester is full of love and simple wisdom, by the way.  His advice to his daughter-in-law during one of her rough patches?  “Go see her love . . . Why?  I dunno.  I can’t stand the hate.  It’ll kill you.  You’re one of us now and I couldn’t bear to lose you . . . Go on with your life, love.  It’s all there is.”

Where is the Holy Spirit showing up for you, reminding you, as in 1^st Corinthians, that “the greatest of these is Love?”   Where are your opportunities to share God’s love, peace, & joy?  What marching orders are being given to you?

2 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Kathy Peterson

Thank you for sharing this beautiful message, Mary. I will be praying about what God’s marching orders are for me!

3/4/2021 10:20 AM

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Danelle Buelsing

Mary, you are an amazing example of sharing God's love, peace, and joy, no matter what comes our way in life.

3/4/2021 11:28 PM

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