Scripture and Prayer Topic: Nature
Scripture: Job 12:7-10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
Prayer:
Lord of hosts, help us to remember the place it all began. Creation. Gifting stewardship of Creation to us all... not of our own volition or whim; but, under you. Help us to remember these are our Gifts from you, to tend with gentle love and care… the same care you shared in the Garden. Help us to remember you did not discard us, use or abuse us… despite having the full capability of doing so. Instead, you give us try after try… to “get things right” or set the ways of our ancestors down to honor your calling of us. Help guide our footsteps, by Lighting our path. Amen.
Personal/Professional Growth Tool Suggestion:
Practice open mindedness. Try inviting learning about different cultures, faiths, etc, into an after hours activity or weekend camp or getaway. Learn about different foods, dances, music, holidays, etc. When we understand more about one another, it can foster a better understanding that we may not be all that different which may invite more unison within the work environment… by learning the reasons behind certain behaviors, thought processes, rituals, etc. If we don’t know our own roots, we can investigate those to become more self-aware of the why and how of our own thought and behavior patterns, too.
Coping Skill Suggestion:
Paint an object at least 4’ by 4’... with a small brush, no larger than 1” wide. It can be a wall, a piece of furniture, a craft, an old tire you decorate for a lawn ornament, etc. It’s simply an exercise in organizing things you need to do the job, prepping the area to set your tools, and settling into a nice rhythmic stroke pattern to find what feels like a good flow for you. Identify perhaps why you chose the color(s) you chose that were speaking to you in those moments or for this project. Is there a significance to them or any particular pattern that came forth and resonated with you? Journal about how this exercise made you feel or realize about yourself.