Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Joy, Simplicity, and Mercy

I have been blessed over the past few weeks to meet early Thursday mornings with a small group of men. We share breakfast, pray together, and explore ways to use spiritual practices to deepen our relationships with God. We're encouraging one another in discipleship. Thursday is my day off. I used to sleep in. But the benefit of those relationships far outweigh a little (albeit, much needed) beauty sleep.

In exploring the practice of fixed-hour prayer, often titled "The Daily Office", I came across a prayer that asked this of God:

"Keep us in the spirit of joy and simplicity and mercy."

I've been pondering these three virtues or qualities today. Joy and simplicity and mercy. How would my life be different if I became very intentional about practicing joy and simplicity and mercy every day? How would those things impact my family? My neighbors? My church? The world?

When you think about "joy and simplicity and mercy" what comes to mind? How would your life be different if you committed more to these three qualities every day?

3 comments:

Steve and Joan said...

I think I will post that in my office during tax season this year. There will be days that I need to be reminded!
Joan

Bob said...

Tim,
This is a precious thought. For me, overcommitment can take simplicity out of life and make it harder to show genuine joy and mercy to others.

Bob

Ted Hillison said...

It seems to me that these three characteristics define the life of Christ, and importantly the people whose lives He touched.

Simplicity to please God in everything He did, mercy to sinners and those who did not know God, and joy in a changed life to those He touched.

These three characteristics are paramount in beoming Christlike in our daily walk