Devotion: Journey Mercies
Please take a moment to read: Luke 2:1-6
The day we gathered at the airport was a normal winter day in Minnesota. After years of dreaming and months of planning, preparation and packing, this was the moment their journey would begin. All gathered at the Minneapolis airport gate wore winter parkas, except for Mom and Dad who wore light fleece jackets. They wouldn’t need anything heavier for the next two years as they were beginning their short-term missionary work in Caranavi, Bolivia. Dad had developed a water treatment system that would be installed which would enable many to have safe, drinkable water.
Everything they would need had been packed and now stood in this tight circle of prayer. Lois Olson, a most delightful and faith filled woman led us in prayer. As she prayed, she asked our gracious God to grant my parents God’s “Journey Mercies.” She knew what it was to be a missionary, she knew what it was to be a parent and even a grandparent with loved ones serving God near and far. She trusted in our gracious God and her calm presence soothed our souls. My parents were wrapped in God’s mercies from the moment they walked down the ramp.
Lois Olson’s phrase has stuck with me the last 25 years. As a family, we continue to pray for God’s “Journey Mercies “ to be with our friends and family as they travel.
In our scripture passage, Mary and Joseph are on a challenging, 10 day journey across country. Mary is pregnant, carrying the Son of God. Before the Angel army proclaimed the good news, even before they arrived in the village of Bethlehem, everything needed had been packed, daily prayers were said and their journey began. As they traveled, I am confident our God surrounded them with his mercy, especially when the most difficult climb out of the valley and up the mountain to Jerusalem was the last part of their journey. They showed forth such strength, endurance and determination.
As our Advent Spiritual journey continues, as our physical journeys take place, let us look to the strength, and determination of Mary and Joseph, and be inspired. Let us also look to our Lord and trust that we too are surrounded by God’s “Journey Mercies.”
Let us pray, God of mercy and grace, thank you for the inspiration we are shown from Mary and Joseph and from the faithful around us. Continue to surround us always with your mercy, especially when we travel anywhere from home. Amen
Written by Pastor Michelle Oetken
Pastor Michelle answered God’s call to serve at Sheridan in 2014 and shepherds our ministries of Confirmation, Youth and Young Adults. Her first 15 years of ministry were spent as solo Pastor in McCool Junction and Wausa, NE.
In addition to spending time in the parish, she has also served on the synod boards of NLOM and Global Ministry. Michelle has two beautiful children, Jonathon and Krista. In her spare time, she enjoys growing in her knowledge of American Sign Language, playing piano and crafting.
