Mental Health Monday

CHILDREN

"Following the example of Jesus, the earliest Christians moved children from the periphery of value into the center. For Jesus welcomed children, instructed his adult followers to imitate children in their devotion to God and said that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

"Of course, Jesus's welcome extended to other categories of vulnerable people—often the most marginalized in his society. And in our contemporary world, where the gift of hospitality seems a virtue on the verge of disappearing, might we return to that early Christian vision of creating space for welcome and room for inclusion of those on the margins?"  Margaret Manning Shull, Slice of Infinity

COURAGE

"It takes enormous courage to follow God's leadings in the Christian life."  Bill Hybels, Men's Devotional Bible

QUIET TIME

I just finished my daily quiet time. This practice has been good for my mental health, as well as my spiritual growth. I'm using "My Daily Prayer Diary," "Devotions on the Small Catechism," "Reading Romans with Luther," & "The Word of the Lord Grows." That includes reading a chapter from Revelation each day. Besides scripture & meditation, I also have daily prayer. I highly recommend this practice.

SOME PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

I will be heading into Orphan Grain Train later today, after an appointment with my mental health practitioner. I began writing devotions for OGT in November, 2015. In March, 2015, I was informed that a decision had been made that it was in my best interest, as well as the best interest in Lutheran High Northeast, that I not continue on my ministry there. (In November, 2014, I took a medical leave of absence.)

The results of this decision were devastating. In hindsight, it was time to make a change, but I resented & still do the manner in which it was carried out. My Board of Directors, faculty & staff were all informed before I was. Ultimately, I took an early retirement.

Pastor Wilke, my pastor & President of OGT, invited me to join OGT, primarily to write devotions. I write a daily devotion for our online newsletter. We also use my devotion for our weekly staff devotions. Working for Orphan Grain has been a great blessing for me, one for which I am truly grateful.