The readings for today focus on our relationship with God and the trust in that relationship. Whether it is Esther lying prostrate in prayer or David in the Psalms affirming that his calls are answered, the basis for all of it is TRUST. I have written about trust many times in my reflections – it is foundational in our beliefs. Our prayers of hope, thanksgiving, desperation, and forgiveness are built upon that trust. It was 20 years ago this summer when I shared my aha moment in looking at the word trust. It was then that I realized the word itself was the key to understanding. It begins and ends with the cross (trust) and U is in the middle or US. Our relationship of trust is steeped in our Savior and His cross. We pray believing that our prayers will be answered, and at times lament that they are not. The truth is that they are always answered, we just don’t always like the answer. A wise friend of mine once reminded me that no is an answer. I have come to realize that so-called unanswered prayers are rather the answer that God knows is best for us even if difficult. The plan for our lives is a mystery to us – we do not understand the detours and potholes as we journey toward our destiny. I try to remember that the undesired and unplanned struggles are what strengthens us. If metal is not held in high heat for the necessary time, it will not be at its maximum strength. We are familiar with the story of the struggling butterfly emerging from its cocoon – the struggle itself is what causes fluid into the wings and allows the emerged butterfly to fly upon beautiful, fully expanded wings. When the struggle is interfered with, even out of goodwill, and an attempt to make the process easier, it results in a deformed butterfly with a bloated body and useless wings. So, I contend there are no unanswered prayers, only prayers with answers that we don’t like.
The idea in the gospel of knocking on the door brings so many images to mind. There is a picture of a desperate-looking man standing at a door, and Jesus is on the other side. The key to redemption is that the picture shows the doorknob is only on the man’s side. He must reach out and turn the doorknob for that door to open. We have the ability to not only knock on the door but to reach for the handle, open it, and walk through.
Knocking on the door also brought another image to my mind. During the recent six weeks when I traveled to be there for my sister after her fall, I was feeling isolated in her small apartment far from my family and usual support group. One of the couples living down the hall was heaven-sent. Mary insisted that her husband drive me to the hospital for my daily visits so that I was not walking from the parking lot alone in a downtown area. Upon my return, I would knock on her door and have loving support. When I started driving myself to the rehab facility, the daily knocking and warm welcome were essential. As the time came for me to return home, Mary mentioned how she would miss my knock – they had come to recognize when it was me before I entered. It was the human face of Jesus on the other side of the door – always there to listen and comfort.
Thanks to those who sent prayers for my sister after her fall. She is doing great – shout out to OT and PT!! A loving reminder for those of us born mid-century in the 1900s – don’t climb on furniture even when “it feels safe.”
Blessings – Laura Story
Perhaps this song conveys better, in less than five minutes, what I was trying to say in paragraphs!!
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
