i spent this morning at the upperroom. it wasn't planned, i had met with jonathon for our weekly tuesday clowns meeting, but adam or sally couldn't make & jonathon had to leave early. so, after doing morning prayers at alektor i walked over to the upperroom and spent a good hour and half in the chapel & museum.
i've been to the ur a number of times, but every time the museum and chapel have been closed for varied reasons. i'm glad this was my first time successfully stopping by. i was all by myself in the chapel staring at this huge wooden picture of last supper. it's a replica of the picture painted by davinci, i am sure many have seen it. one thing i noticed is that there wasn't a chalice and bread.. not sure i've ever cared to notice before, but i suppose i assumed it would be there, guess that is all part of that davinci code junk.
as i sat in silence, i spent time going through the upperroom devotional for the day.
Let Tears Flow
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)A high wall outside of an English village was the first place I saw "weep holes." In various places, small holes were made in the mortar between the stones. Were it not for these holes, the water that collects behind the mortar could build up such pressure that eventually the wall would burst.
I can relate to the need for such holes -- and not just in walls. When family problems began to cause tremendous turmoil, I tried to be strong and control my emotions. As time went on, what I was holding inside only increased my anxiety. Eventually, as I cried out to God in prayer, seeking help and answers, the tears flowed. What a great relief to release the pressure built up inside of me!
In chaotic circumstances, I don't have to be anxious. Even when I can't put my needs and feelings into words, God hears my prayers -- or just the cry of my heart -- and knows what I need. God is willing to meet that need in the right way, at the right time. I can thank and trust God, who guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Carolyn Schemahorn (Missouri, U.S.A.)
Dear God of peace, our trust is in you. Help us to wait patiently for you to answer us in your time and your way. Help us show peace and hope to others. Amen.
i remember being a teen trying to use the upperroom devotionals to keep that daily habit. i saw it as a habit though and i kicked the habit sometime soon after starting. i still, however, have a wonderful appreciation for the devotions. they are timeless.
the museum was cool. it was strange mix of cherished pieces of art and Christian artifact mixed in with some things that i could probably buy at a flee market. one of the big deals there are the many nativity sets. i really liked two, the celtic & wooden puzzle ones, probably because of their simplicity.
i checked out the bookstore and picked up some more of the 'classics' and then headed off to the office. no great epiphanies, no solving the worlds problems, but it was a great morning office.
