Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
Written by Dana Belmonte | Deacon
On a cold November morning in 2013, I got out of bed at 6 am as per my usual routine. Seconds after putting weight on my right leg, I fell to the floor in excruciating pain. Weeks later, an MRI would reveal a herniated disc aggravating my sciatic nerve, causing extreme lower back and leg pain.
As a teacher, I was constantly planning and reviewing the calendar; looking ahead to the next week, month, semester, and year regularly. In the seconds it took me to fall to the floor that November morning, my calendar was yanked from my hands, and I was thrust into the present moment.
Just getting from place to place now required so much energy and planning. (I dreaded getting in and out of the car.) As 2014 began, I was no match for the pain. I had to let go and simply do the next thing. It was in this letting go that I learned an important lesson. Any planning ahead is only successful when we are clearly aligned with God in the present moment and willing to pivot as we hear the Holy Spirit’s voice day to day. When I was temporarily forced to stop looking ahead so much, I heard God’s voice in ways I hadn’t heard it before.
God’s love and grace are a mighty river. We can align with that river and experience strength and joy, or paddle upstream and find out just how weak we are.
Prayer: May these forty days give us the space we need to hear anew your voice, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, and to align with that love and grace. Amen