All Children of the Light
All Children of the Light, A Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
What brings you peace and security?
During the pandemic, I have spent a lot more time in nature. I see how God has created armor for nature: bark on the trees, shells on the turtles, hulls on the nuts. Part of the order of nature is protection for growth. But when a storm comes, natural protection may or not be enough to save the tree from high wind, the turtle from a boat propeller or the nut from a drought.
I also notice that there are different ways to grow. Trees are constantly shedding their bark to make way for a growing girth. A turtle’s shell grows and expands with the turtle. The hulls of the nuts will wither and die when separated from the tree to expose the thin shell protecting the sweet nut. With awe and wonder, this natural way of security leads me to trust in God’s way. And, it entices me to ask the question, what armor am I wearing?
In these words to the Thessalonians, God has created and destined us for light, and God desires for us to build one another up. Instead of judging the armor we each select for the day, I choose to love my neighbor by believing that this is the right armor for my neighbor today. As God provides different armor for nature, so we must embrace differences.
As I reflect on this picture of a recent boat ride with my grand-dog Oakley, it brings me joy to see her bright, colorful life-jacket armor. I notice the armor I am wearing today is sunscreen, to protect me from skin cancer. One is visible. One is invisible. Yet, both are putting on trust in God’s faithfulness. Both are embracing faith, hope, and love.
I am reminded it isn’t the actual piece of armor we wear. It is the trust that God is faithful and present in each moment. So, put on your armor, be a child of the light, and celebrate all the different pieces of armor we wear. Which one will you put on today?
Listen to Rev. Dr. Lil Smith's Guided Meditation for Praying the Lectionary for 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.
Invitation
As you experience the practice of praying the lectionary, adopt a loving, caring and compassionate stance. If the end of your prayer and meditation time is not pointing to love and hope, there is more work to do. Keep wrestling. God is faithful to your journey. Love and hope will emerge. Be gentle with yourself and befriend any judgment that arises in you.
This excerpt was taken from a weekly meditation. To sign up to receive these, email us.
"So that we may live lives worthy of the Lord and please God in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
- Rooted in Colossians 1:10
Lil Smith is director and co-founder of Retreat House. She is a trained spiritual director and supervisor. In the role of adjunct faculty, Lil facilitates the supervised practicum classes in the Perkins School of Theology Certification in Spiritual Direction and spiritual formation groups.