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 Mud:

The Kingdom of God is like walking barefoot in your backyard after a saturating rainfall. Transformed by water, the hard earth is now soft and squishy. It sticks to and oozes between your toes.

A slight suction holds each step to the ingredients from which God formed the first human creature. In that nanosecond capture, you are reminded of your created-ness. As your foot breaks free, the memory fades, and your walk continues.

Yet, the mud marks and clings to your body. It cannot be denied or forgotten; remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. You walk onward upon the soft mud as a creature of clay.

A Question to Ponder:

What places remind you of your connection to God’s creation?

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God,

You created me out of your great love. You shaped my being with great care and precision. I am unique. In all of creation, there is not another body like mine. And yet, I share a connection with all creation. All life bears the mark of its Creator. All life is wonderfully made. Give me the wisdom in my daily walk to appreciate and wonder, honor and respect all life. Strengthen me as a creature of clay to respond as a caretaker of all that you have made.

Through Christ, Amen.