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 Nesting material :

Be willing continually to share what you have with those in need; be like the woman who fills a small wire cage in her backyard with bits of yarn, cotton fluff, and small twigs.

Finches come and take these materials in their tiny beaks. They fly away to build their nests. As the contents of the cage are diminished, their nests grow as places to shelter eggs and vulnerable offspring.

After a rainfall, they seem to return for fresh bedding. The woman, who will keep the cage full of dry and soft materials, remains diligent in her efforts throughout the season.

I tell you, her efforts to provide for the tiniest of creatures will not go unnoticed by the Creator of Finches and people.

A Question to Ponder:

In what ways might you contribute to the shelter and safety of others?

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God,

you provide for all creation. Make me aware today of both your care and provision. Each breath I take comes as a gift. Each occurrence of shelter, food, warmth, family, and protection comes as blessings. As I am grateful for these things, make me aware of those who have less and are in need. Empower generosity within me so that I might share what I have with others. Let me be a conduit of your grace and love so that others might sing your praises.

Through Jesus Christ, Amen.