Happy Monday, Friends!
I admit that having completed my series on the Nicene Creed and moving through Holy Week and Easter, I found myself lacking inspiration for this Monday Moment. I went to one of the many books sitting still unread around my apartment: Love Heals by Becca Stevens. Stevens is the founder of Thistle Farms, a social enterprise run by survivors of violence, and an Episcopal priest. She is also a distinguished alumna of the same university I attended, where I first encountered her and her work. In Love Heals, Stevens says, “If you stress because you feel like your glass is half empty most of the time, your cup may be too big.”
Despite my best effort to recognize my gifts, talents, and experience, I’m not nearly as confident as I try to appear. I’m usually stressed, worried that every involuntary frown and side glance is a silent judgment. I assume that, once again, my best effort is not nearly good enough. In the Book of Exodus, we’re told that Moses feared being the public face of the liberation of God’s people, but God reminded Moses that Aaron was a gifted speaker who could be the voice of the movement. I wonder if Moses ever saw his cup as half full or too big?
Every movement and every organization has leaders who don’t do everything, despite what the public might see. If our cup is too big it may be that we have forgotten about the rest of the team and have taken on too much ourselves. If our cup is too big, we may have very well assumed that we can do everything without needing others. If our cup is too big, we may well have left God out of the equation.
Where is our cup too big? Who can help us make our cup smaller?
Let us pray: God, help us see our cups as manageable. Give us the grace to seek people with whom we can bear loads together. Let us create communities where needs are met, fears are erased, and each person is supported in their need and celebrated for their gifts. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings, friends, on your week! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Faithfully,
Ben