STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

The Parable of the Frozen Ground:

To what can we compare the Kingdom of God?

It is like the frozen ground in winter—hard and solid. Snow-covered, the soil appears lifeless. It is unworkable by human hands. No pick or shovel can turn it over, manipulate it, or cultivate it. No manual strength of ours seems to be able to break through the earth's crust in winter.

Under the frozen layers, there is an unseen movement. As the water in between pebbles, rocks, and soil hardens, it expands. It is strong enough to crush, twist, and upheave. Following ancient and mysterious rhythms, ice moves slowly and deliberately to shape. New possibilities emerge as ice cracks open the strongest of rocks.

Beneath the icy crust, seeds rest, wait, and feel the creative pressure. They keep company with the roots of sleeping trees and dormant bushes. Nothing looks alive or promising. Yet hidden from sight, everything remains vibrant and full of potential. At the right time, spring will come. The frozen ground will thaw and reveal a fresh wave of life.

A Question to Ponder:

What lies hidden within yourself that needs to crack open under the creative pressure of God?

STEP THREE: PRAY

Creative God, underneath the image I project to the world, there are a bunch of insecurities, fears, and worries. Give me the strength today to trust in You. Allow your love to push away the things that keep me from you. In their place, allow your grace to fill me up with new courage, wisdom, and focus. Make me bold in my response to you as I reach out to help and love others. Through Jesus, Amen.