Whenever I think of reflecting, I always think of nature. I grew up in the mountains and whenever I wanted to be quiet or alone with my thoughts, I would drive to the top of the mountain. I would crawl over the ledge, dangle my legs and look out over the vast beauty surrounding me. It never failed that my thoughts were drawn to God and the wonder of His creativity. I will never forget the overwhelming feeling I had the first time I saw the Grand Canyon. When I think of it, I still wonder how anyone could believe this was an accident. When I am in His creation, I am removed from the busyness that is life and for a moment, I breath in all that is His alone.
As a person who works in a church, I have to be intentional in making sure to slow down this week. I have to plan moments to stop and reflect on the greatness of what Jesus did as He prepared to lay down His life so I could live. Though I probably won’t have time to drive to the beach or head to the mountains, I will stop. I hope that you will stop too. I stop to reflect on what Jesus did, but also the part I play. By mid-week, the hosannas of the crowd on Sunday have turned to horrors. Those who loved him are plotting against him. If we are not careful, we skip from Hosanna to Hallelujah and miss the long, dark days that lie in between. Silence. Reflection. The horrors are not easy to bear.
For the remainder of the week I will be posting links to scriptures that will help us both reflect on the wonder of Jesus and remember the dark days he faced before that glorious Easter morning.
Today, I am also including links to other bloggers who have some great reflections about Holy Week or related to it. Take a look at these blog posts as well:
Expectancy, Pregnant Pauses, and Holy Week by Emily Stone
and
Maybe He has dirt under His nails. He probably does. by Hope Butcher
Slow down. Stop. Reflect.
Great God
My eyes are blind,
My heart is hard,
Forgive me.
Let me see with my eyes
and perceive with my heart,
I turn to you, my God.
Save me. Heal me.
Let me see your Light. Let me know your glory.
AMEN
Beautiful post.