Instead of a video this weekend, we decided to offer you a curated bouquet of some of our favourite things–a song, a poem, a prayer, and a podcast to enrich your soul this weekend. Feel free to sample one ‘flower’ from the bouquet, or to enjoy them all.
“What Is” by Sandra McCracken
Matt and I came across Sandra McCracken’s song over a year ago and it continues to move us to tears every time we listen. It seems especially appropriate to offer it here, at this transition time of looking back at our summer and looking ahead to fall, and at the end of our summer series. “I want to wake up in this moment receiving what is” beautifully expresses my longing to receive every moment as God’s gift to me.
George Herbert (1593 – 1633) was an Anglican Minister and writer. The poem below describes a simple scene of God welcoming a guest (Herbert himself) to a meal. This is an image of God’s goodness to all of us and to each of us.
The poem resonates with me as the invited guest says that he “drew back” from the invitation feeling a sense of unworthiness. In response, God draws nearer and in the end God serves Herbert the meal.
As we enter the fall season, I pray that we may have faith to accept God’s goodness, that we may know that we are defined by God’s love towards us. May we accept, each day, the invitation into God’s presence and goodness.
At the beginning of summer, one could pray this prayer with anticipation. At the end of summer, like we are now, this prayer can be prayed with gratitude. For me it is a chance to reflect on what has been over the past few months. To remember the joy and challenges, and where we have met God in the midst of this season.
One of the most sustaining resources and joys for me over the past few years has been The Mockingcast podcast. Produced by Mockingbird Ministries, who also publish a beautiful magazine and other excellent podcasts, The Mockingcast has been the one I return to most often.
I started listening in 2021, working my way back through episodes beginning in early 2020. Reliving those early COVID days through their conversations was surreal. What has kept me listening, though, is the podcast’s consistent focus on how grace shows up, both in small, ordinary moments and in the larger, more significant struggles of life.
Because I’m fascinated by the intersection of culture and faith, I love the way the hosts bring thoughtful articles into conversation with real life. The three hosts, who clearly love God, don’t shy away from the messy realities of the world. Yet in their honesty and wisdom, they continue to uncover hope in the tangible reality of grace.
They wrestle with life’s complexities and tensions with humility and humour, and I often finish an episode more in awe of who God is and filled with renewed hope for both the church and the world.
