By Cheryl Saur of St. Charles, Missouri USA
Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened.
One night while at a spiritual retreat, I dreamed of being in a room filled with soft lights that radiated the feeling of a deep abiding love. My eyes focused on a high shelf filled with many different types of jars of varied sizes, shapes, and colors. The only sound in the room was the soft beat of a drum that synchronized its beat to that of my own heart. A spiritual companion welcomed me with great joy and love and motioned for me to choose from the shelf. I reached out and chose a bright yellow glass at the end and gasped at how small it was when I pulled it down. I was very disappointed in my choice and gave a deep sigh. My companion smiled gently and encouraged me to select again. The feeling of love, support, and gentle patience was encouraging to me and quite tangible in the room. So I chose again, and this time I selected a much bigger vessel. My dream ended.
The next morning before dawn, I felt led to walk the canal with the morning walkers. This was quite extraordinary because morning walking is something I would never have done on my own. Our instructions were to walk for the first 15 minutes with “Jesus” on our lips. For the next 15 minutes we were to say our name as “beloved” and ask, “What is Jesus saying to me?” When I started the second 15 minutes of my journey offering up this prayer, immediately the following words were placed upon my heart: “Cheryl, beloved daughter, do not choose a vessel so small that it fills too quickly. Choose BIG that I may fill it deeply and to overflowing because I have so much to give you.”
All God asks of you or me is to not be afraid. Be open to let God fill you to overflowing with God’s grace and abiding love. No matter how deep or big you go, God will already be there to hold you close…and dwell with you.
Let’s rejoice in a God whose love and patience never ends!
Prayer Phrase
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Hope in the Present
Take a moment to pause and reflect on where hope is present in your life. Write down three things that give you hope. It could be a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun, or progress toward a goal. If you are facing difficulties, gently remind yourself: “Even now, hope is present. Even now, something new is possible.” Express gratitude for this hope knowing that each day is an opportunity for renewal.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.