Thoughts of the Day this month are part of a special series in Epiphanytide, the time between Epiphany Sunday and Lent, during which we hear gospel stories of the growing faith of the disciples and of the revelation that Jesus is truly the son of God.
To mark this time, members of our congregation share stories of their own faith journeys and Epiphany moments that have inspired them and drawn them deeper into faith.
Thought and Prayer for the Day
by
Sharon Jones, ODT
Growing up on the island of Newfoundland, religion was at the centre of our lives. I do not have a memory where prayer was not part of my life. I also have memories of the conflict between the religions, and as a child I thought like a child and struggled with putting God first.
We were a family of mixed religion. One parent was Roman Catholic and one parent was Anglican. My sister and I were raised in both faiths and at a very young age, the only difference I could determine when going to church services was the Anglican church had Sunday School and the Roman Catholic church did not. Communion was also done differently. Throughout my formative years I witnessed and experienced hatred. I felt there was an absence of love as I was viewed by some as following the wrong religion. How could I possibly put God first, when those around me could not?
Skip ahead a few years. I am a mother of two children under two, married to a wonderful husband who travelled with work a great deal and at times I felt like a single mom. I remember sitting in church listening to the sermon telling me that I had to put God first. Not realizing all the baggage, hurt and anger that I carried, my thoughts were how could I put God before my children.
A dear woman, Bunny Stewart, invited me to go with her to the Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine (SSJD) for a quiet day. I was exhausted, and jumped at the opportunity, even though I was going to a convent. My parents took care of my children and off I went. I loved it. There was peace and quiet.
During the service, the reading was from Micah and I heard the words “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). I felt such an intense presence and in the silence I made room for God.
I heard, “Beloved child, when you put me at the centre of your life you are the woman, daughter, sister, friend, and mother I call you to be”.
It was a life changing epiphany. I became an adult and I put an end to childish ways. I became an associate of SSJD. I strive to always keep God at the centre and be comfortable in the silence so I can hear God.
Prayer:
Great Creator,
Thank you for the day ahead.
I place you at the centre,
always with me.
In the world and my interactions,
give me hands to serve,
feet for action,
eyes to see,
ears to hear,
a voice to speak
a heart to love.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Amen
