Tag Archives: expiration date

Fifth Sunday in Lent – Number our Days, in Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, March 22, 2015

praying hands 2

Fifth Sunday in Lent – Number our Days, in Prayer

I have visited hospitals and a hospice myself during the past few weeks, so I have been thinking about serious illness and death. On top of that, I am currently walking with and praying with several acquaintances as they prepare to transition from this world to the next. I try to be supportive to their families and loved ones, as well, offering to do what I can. Sometimes, I sit quietly in the room beside the family as they prepare for the transition. Whatever they might need, I try to supply it.

Several days ago, I attended a panel discussion sponsored by Life Matters at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The discussion centered on end-of-life concerns. I was particularly interested in how the representatives on the panel came from different religious groups, yet had so much in common when having end-of-life discussions. The most poignant remark (and my take-away for the evening) came from my acquaintance Rabbi Joe Ozarowski with Jewish Child and Family Services. He quoted his mentor: “Everyone has an expiration date.”

So true! Especially at such a thoughtful season of the year as the Lenten season, it is good to consider our mortality. As I am reminded by Psalm 90, teach us to number our days. For a few days more! In just a matter of days, Lent will have come and gone, Palm Sunday and Holy Week will be past, and the blessed celebration of Easter will once again be here.

I am encouraging us all to consider our expiration date in the revealing light of Lent as well as the blessed light of Easter. Yes, these are serious things to consider. However, we can make each day count by numbering our days.

Dear God, allow each of us to come before You in spirit and in truth. Help each one to be aware of our human-ness and our mortality. I think those are good things to consider, prayerfully. Dear Jesus, help each of us to remember You and Your journey to Jerusalem as Lent comes to a close. For each of us, please provide the knowledge, opportunities and experience each of us needs to not only live, but to flourish. In Jesus’ name, amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

Day #27 – Widen Your Circle? Mine, Too.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, March 20, 2015

floating lantern festival

Day #27 – Widen Your Circle? Mine, Too.

I have been widening my circle this past week. I attended a yearly conference for substance abuse counseling. (I have a state certificate, a CADC.) So, I need continuing education hours. Lo and behold, I really enjoyed myself at the conference. Plus—I made some new friends.

So, yes. I did, indeed, widen my circle in the past few days.

Today, however, was another matter. I read the email from #40acts this morning, before I left the house. As I considered today’s suggestion, I became sad. You see, I had made plans to go see a dear friend, a senior who is seriously ill. This dear one will not be here much longer.

My circle is widening, indeed. To heaven, above.

Yes, I did make a visit. My friend was—to our eyes—unresponsive. But in some deep, profound sense, God knew I was there. And I hope my dear friend—in some way—knew so, too.

Last night, I attended a panel discussion on end-of-life medical issues, and the differences of opinion each of several different religious groups had on suffering, hospice, and end-of-life decisions. I was particularly struck by what my acquaintance Rabbi Joe said. (He got this piece of wisdom from one of his older rabbi mentors.) “Everyone has an expiration date.”

The expiration date is almost here for my dear senior friend. (You’ll be saying hello to God, soon.)

I know many people don’t even consider this aspect of widening the circle. Gee, for some, it’s enough of a challenge to say hello to a stranger on the street, or in a coffee shop! Yet, our circles continue to expand as each of us continues to try to stretch and grow.

Why not smile? Say hello? Go one step further, and strike up a conversation with someone. Anyone. Or, even invite someone new to coffee, or a movie.

I wish God’s blessings to you! Whether my expiration date is near or far, I hope and pray that you rejoice in the days God has given to us. I am trying my very best to rejoice in my days.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .