2012

I attended worship the Sunday after Thanksgiving in Omaha.  The church is a most spiritual place, for me, and bring me great comfort to worship there.  Friends of mine were giving the message that day, “The Waiting Room.”  They shared the story of their recent journey in life, for them it resembled life in a waiting room.  One of the songs that was sung was so beautiful.  Blessings, by Laura Story, has wonderful lyrics. 

It just reminded me of that message we too often forget during the other ten months of the year.  It seems that in November and December many seem to mindful about their connections with one another, family and friends and sometimes very connected to the hold to be Sacred.  Then as we get into January it often seems our love for one another, helping others and the connection that was so strong in the past two months begins to fade.  It becomes less and less as each week and month pass by.

In that song that was sung, the lyrics included these words: “…what if Your blessings come through raindrops?

What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near?

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?...”

When our lives are being rained on with hurdles, changes, times of no change, and challenges we often focus on why it happened and what we can do to get out of it.  Another concept is we could focus on what new doors are opening.  With every exit a door is opening on the other side!  I believe the message my friends gave, “we were right where we are supposed to be” and often times, most all of us are. 

As we prepare for this new year of ours, I hope that we can continue counting our blessings, sharing good will, believing in what we believe in and living what we believe in… all 12 months of the year.

Someone once told me that grace is what is given when we need it, mercy is given when we don’t deserve it and love is given freely at all times.    That may resonate with some of the readers and others it may not.  And that is okay! 

I will not make a resolution or promise, and I do pledge to make 2012 a year that I spend more time on keeping the most important thing, the most important thing.

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One month at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals