by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Experiencing Grace When Distracted

I needed to change my morning devotional routine (change can be good).

For several years now that routine included reading a psalm, some other Scripture, then a proverb from the book of Proverbs. Daily contact with God’s Word is important and I feel a loss in my soul during those periods where I have ignored that Word.

I still read a psalm and another Scripture, but I have replaced Solomon’s wisdom for a photograph. I have taken thousands of pictures over the years, most of which I lost on some outdated memory device or the ever-present/never-present Cloud.

I now engage in what is called the spiritual practice of Visio Divina, or divine seeing. It’s easy to practice. I take a photograph, glue it to my journal and then study it. I then pray for a Scripture that speaks to me concerning this picture and write (yes, long hand), in my journal.

I rediscovered this picture in a stack I had printed. It’s from a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was evening and the sun was setting. This park is known for amazing views of the sun disappearing in the west.

“And get this! I, I am with you every day, until the very end of the age!”
Matthew 28:20

The cross stands tall even when no one sees it. One person is distracted by their phone, another is mesmerized by the sunset, another looks down, and another looks to the left as though there is something out there that captures her attention.

What a picture of life among those of us who know the power of the cross. The grace of this moment is that Jesus is always present. “Get this! I am always with you even when many things distract you, even things of your own choosing. My cross is always near.”

There is an invitation in this picture, an invitation to turn around and gaze once again at the cross. Jesus invites us to turn from our daily routines and see his cross that is much bigger than we are. A cross that will always be there.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado