Experiencing ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ is nothing new. They come to us in both large and small ways. Most of the time, it’s one or the other (or one than the other), but when they happen at the same time, it can be hard to keep up. I have found myself with a conflicted heart while pivoting between such extremely opposite emotions and reactions as I try to filter through them. For example, one of my neighbors was just offered a wonderful new dream job while another lost hers without notice. A close friend in another state is experiencing the unexpected loss of a loved one while another friend has had lifesaving prayers answered. Someone close to me has been blessed by recent good fortune while increased expenses are causing hardship for another.
I am very glad to walk with friends and family through their ups and downs (and incredibly grateful to have them walk with me through mine), but my spirit struggles with how to accommodate simultaneous joy and sadness. In trying to prayerfully break this down to make it more manageable, I revisited recent Gospel readings since they were fresh on my mind and realized I am making this more difficult than I should. These passages helped remind me of the answer: love one another, put Christ first, and pray to God with a sincere heart.
Love one another. Last weekend the (good) Samaritan showed us a heart of love and mercy by caring for a beaten and wounded traveler who had been not just overlooked by others but intentionally ignored and avoided. The Samaritan made a compassionate choice to which Jesus tells us, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
Put Christ first. This weekend Mary and Martha will remind us about priorities. What we think is the most important thing to do or say might not be. Putting Jesus and His saving words first, not the things happening around us, will always be the right thing to do. As He told Martha in love, “…you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Pray to God with sincere hearts. Though we’re not quite there, the following weekend Jesus tells us how to pray and gives us the words we know so well. Each time we pray the Our Father/The Lord’s Prayer with sincere hearts, let it be a renewed invitation to strengthen our faith and trust in God the Father, believing He will provide for us, forgive us, and lead us to Him.
Though I continue to pivot between good news and bad news, between joy and hurt, and between gifts and losses, these simultaneous ups and downs do not need to compete for my spirit. It is not confusing or conflicting – it is another opportunity to turn in faith to the healing love, mercy, and words of Christ.
Journeying to Grace 