Fermata Sept 24, 2021: Honoring Those We've Committed To

Fermata is the weekly newsletter describing some of the past week’s highlights from Notes of Rest, which is my spiritual retreat ministry that interweaves text, music, and questions for the sake of cultivating stillness, introspection, and creativity in communities so that all may rest. I'd love to host a Notes of Rest for your church, seminary, or affinity group. Feel free to reply to this email to start the conversation!

Matthew 1:18-25
 
This week’s Fermata emerges from Notes of Rest for the New Bethel AME Marriage Ministry (a church in Lithonia GA), which happened last Friday. During our hour we sat with Matt 1:18-25. Normally that text is used to focus on Jesus’ birth, but it’s also a beautiful place to witness the growth of a budding marriage. We thought about what it meant to protect and honor the gifts and the work of God in your spouse in this season, just like Joseph did for Mary. Wow, it was beautiful to see how couples that had been married for decades were still thinking through how to cultivate each other’s gifts. (What a great role model for me and Carmen in our relatively young marriage of 6 years!)
 
How is The Lord calling you to protect the work of God in the people to whom you’re most committed? And where do you need to exercise patience right now with them?
 
May The Lord who turned Joseph towards Mary turn you towards those with whom God has called you to spend this life. To make the turn, you will need wisdom, and for that I give you Call of Wisdom.

abundantly,
Julian