Black or White

If you observe what is going on in the world at any given moment, it seems that life is black or white. This is true; that is false. This is good. That is bad. We often view our individual lives through a black-or-white lens. I believe this. Not that. I feel this way. Not that way. But if you live long enough, you realize that life is complex. It is not black or white. The felt experience of life often leaves us living between the black-or-white duality of life. It leaves us living in the grey.

This morning my lower back felt great, but my neck was a disaster.

I am elated that my family finally moved out of our apartment and into our new house, yet I am grieving the last few days my mom has left on earth.

This morning I was in awe of God’s creation as I walked through our wooded neighborhood, yet I find it very difficult to pray the last few weeks.

The ancient writers of Scripture knew how to live in the grey. If you read through the Psalms, you will quickly find these ancient worshippers of God trying to give words to the complexities of life. The good. The bad. The beautiful. The ugly. Naming what is true. Naming what is false. All of it came out in their prayers.

Today I invite you to PAUSE.

As we begin, take a few deep breaths in and out.

PAUSE.

Pray: Holy Spirit, quiet my mind, body, and soul as you open my eyes to see the grey around me.

PAUSE.

Reflect.

Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5a)

How does this ancient prayer speak to you? Where in your life are you weeping and at the same time, where are you experiencing joy?

Name those things out loud to God.

PAUSE.

How did it feel to name those things, to name the grey?

PAUSE.

Pray. Holy Spirit, as I go through my day, help me to be aware of the greyness of my life, and the lives of the people around me. Help me to show compassion to myself and to others as we make our way through this complex life. May you grant me patience and grace today. Amen.