July 3rd. Proper 9 Come to Me with Your Burdens
Pentecost 3. Proper 9. Ordinary Time 14
My first real intimate contact with Jesus was during a particularly difficult time in my life. Accepting a position with a company thousands of miles from home was financially sound, but personally a disaster. With no close friends with whom I could share those problems, I turned to journaling. I bought a beautiful book with blank pages and began: Dear Jesus, .....
I found this simple act was so liberating, I not only survived the troubling circumstances of that time, but was inspired to bring my relationship with Jesus to a new level.
Journaling to Jesus is a mode of truth-telling, self-expression, and homage to God. In composing such a frank and simple account of my daily life, it also became a profession of profound belief because oddly enough, the very act of writing to Jesus brought him into my life as a constant presence.
When I think back, I am amazed at what transformed that anxious, worried writer into a relatively happy, certainly peaceful and serene creature. It was not therapy, counselors, or medication. It did not cost money. I just brought my burdens to Jesus.
Has anyone a history of journaling? Would you share?
Wouldn't you agree that in these times of economic stress, journaling could be a source of great comfort for some members of your church? Would anyone consider preaching about it? Think about it! Share..........
I believe in journaling as a way of surviving the emotional chaos, spiritual confusions and traumatic events that come with living. When I journal, I process the experience of my day. I write about what's inside of me: the raw feeling and then translate it into words. This process brings me a kind of peace. I never thought of writing a letter to God and am grateful for the suggestion. Thanks. Jennifer
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