Day 35: Monday, April 3, 2023
Rev. Sela Finau
Global
Scripture: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 NRSV)
Devotion: While in seminary, I worked at night, and before you start to wonder, “What kind of job?” I will soon explain. Most of the time, working at night had not always been a pleasant experience, especially working 12-hour nights and being up for more than 24 hours at a time. That is never good for the body, mind, and spirit. Nevertheless, that had been my work schedule for about five years while I pursued two degrees in two seminaries. I had to find employment that would work with my seminary school schedule. How I managed seminary, worked in a church, and that overnight job was beyond me. That is one of those things I consider a God thing.
In any case, I realized early on, working in the financial industry, specifically a brokerage firm, that while America slept, the rest of the world was awake, from Asia to the Pacific to Europe, and that we were all connected in this global network, financial or otherwise.
That meant that what happened worldwide affected the U.S. and vice versa. I also thought that what happens to us as individuals and as people affects God.
One of the benefits of having worked from evening till dawn (7 to 7) was that I was privileged to see many sunsets, sunrises, endless clouds, and skies in incredibly astonishing colors and forms. Each time I saw it, whether on my way to work or on my way home, I was always in awe of the beauty of creation and how fortunate we are to be given the opportunity to witness the splendor and magnificence of this world that we are lucky to be a part. I pondered how amazing it is that we’re all connected to the sun and endless clouds in the skies, giving us a glimpse of God’s glory.
I am reminded of how humans seem insignificant amid vast stretches of the cosmos and time and space. I thought about how we’re all tiny specs in this big cosmos, but I am always comforted in knowing that God takes notice of us, journeys with us daily, and watches over us whether we’re asleep or awake.
Prayer: Creator God, we give you thanks for all of creation, and we give you thanks for the gift of life. This Lenten season, a time of self-reflection, growth, and renewal, open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts so that we may live into what you have created us to be. Amen
AW
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