Devotional
Life in the Spirit
by Kristen L. Hubert
 'I am not
going to church! I am just too tired," my 12-year-old son
moaned from the couch.
"OK, if I let you stay home because you are tired, I expect
you to really rest. I want the TV off and I want you back in
bed."
In our faith we find balance or equilibrium.
"What?!" He suddenly sat up on the edge of the couch.
"I have to go back to bed?!"
Labor and delivery felt easier than this preadolescent parenting.
I realized he would be needing more independence, but we were
talking about church. If I let him stay home once, what about
next week?
"All right, this Sunday you may stay home. I'll miss you,
but I've been in your shoes and it was good for me to stay home
then, too." I think he was surprised. Something started
to shift.
Backing out of the driveway, I looked toward the house and saw
him standing at the window. His oversized t-shirt was down close
to his knees, his hair was disheveled from sleep and his chin
was resting woefully on his hands. My growing son stood reflecting
the image of himself as he was at the age of four. Without words
I could hear him screaming, "Don't leave me mom! I want
to go! I need to grow up! I don't know what I need!"
I parked the car, walked back in the house and hugged my son
tightly. "There is nothing on this earth I love more than
you and the rest of this family. Do you know that I would give
my life for you?"
He answered quietly, "I know."
In faith we discover that we are connected to others.
Too late for church, my daughter and
I began to create our own worship for home.
I casually mentioned to my son where we would be. No more clearly
did I feel God's presence that morning than when I heard my son
respond, "I think I'll come, too."
In our faith we are centered on God.
Being connected, balanced and centered lets the Christian
live "life in the Spirit" as it is described by Paul:
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control"
(Gal. 5:22--23).
Dear God, bless our efforts to achieve a holistic and holy
balance in our daily lives. Remind us that in your care we are
healed; in your presence we are whole. Amen.
* Based on the Health and Wholeness Awareness Resource, The
Congregation: A Community of Care and Healing, available from
Health Ministries, National Ministries Division of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.).
To order call Presbyterian Distribution Service, 800/524-2612
and ask for item # 257-91-410.
Kristen L. Hubert is married, the mother of two children,
ages 14 and 16, and lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is a registered
nurse, an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
and works at the Highland Presbyterian Weekday School teaching
three- and four-year-olds.
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