The Gift of Life (Part III) - Matthew 6:25-33

Over the last 2 weeks we have been focusing on a prayer of blessing, We have looked at the beginning of this prayer:

"May today there be peace with you.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born in faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you."

Tonight we will look at the concluding part of the prayer:

"May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.

Let God’s presence settle into your bones and allow you soul the freedom to sing, dance, and to bask in the sun.

It is there for each and every one of you. Amen."

"May you be content knowing that you are a child of God."

All of us long to know that we are loved – that we belong – that we are accepted for who we are. We want the love of another person to confirm that we are important… that we matter in someone’s eyes. As children e expect that love from our parents, our caregivers. Children have the right – deserve unconditional love from the parental figures in their lives. Children thrive in a loving environment. For whatever reasons if a child doesn’t receive that nurturing experience of love, a part of their spirit is damaged and it can take years for that child to heal as an adult and learn that they are worthy of love.

All of us need to know – to experience – that we are a child of a loving God as well. Unfortunately some of us have experienced a religious system that gave us a list of rules to follow in order for us to earn God’s love. Our sexuality, in particular, has been used as one of those barriers that supposedly kept God’s love from us. When we can finally fell in the core of our being God’s love and know that we are created just as we are, indeed we find contentment. Not a week goes by that I don’t talk with someone about God’s love for us and that we are each a child of God… created by God. To know we are a child of God – to experience that unconditional love – to be in a spiritual environment that fosters self respect and dignity is vital to developing a healthy spirituality.

"Let God’s presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance and to bask in the sun. It is there for each and every on of you."

As a child of a loving God, God is not only present in the world around us but God’s presence is a part of each and every one of us. God wants us to be happy – God wants to give us the best life has to offer. When we rest in God’s presence our souls are free indeed to "… sing, dance, and to bask in the sun." It is there for each and every one of us. What brings joy to your life? What makes you want to sing… to dance… to bask in the sun? Reading, sports, movies, a quiet walk, playing with your children, having dinner with a good friend, helping others, planting a garden… the list is endless. Nurture those things that bring joy to your soul. God has literally put a feast – a banquet – before us: the gift of life. The moments – the hours – the places we go – the people we meet – the joys we celebrate and the challenges we face are all part of the gift of life that weave the tapestry of our lives.

This week I want to invite you to look in the mirror every morning and every night before you go to bed and say to yourself… "I am a child of God." Let the knowledge of that loving relationship fill the fibers of your being. Pray about the things that five you joy and each day this week practice receiving the joy god wants you to have. May God’s blessings be upon you and all those who you love.