Choosing to Reach Out To God

October 7, 2020
by Wendy Grasz

(Wendy passed away suddenly September 27, 2020. This devotion was one she wrote for Luther Memorial/Omaha last April. She was part of the task force creating this devotional series for Seeking the Spirit Within and offered this devotion to our efforts. Reading it again, we know now she no longer needs to reach out. She is living with her Savior.)

Come and journey, journey upward
Sing God’s praises. Offer prayer.
In the storm and in the stillness
Find God’s presence everywhere.
–from the book Soulistry

I have a favorite Christmas ornament that never goes on our tree, but sits on my desk year around. It is a Christmas tree with a frog standing next to it reaching one arm high above its head. This little guy was a gift to me a little over seven years ago. Next to the ornament is a card with Psalm 17:6 on it:

I am praying to you because I know you will answer,
O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

I often find myself reflecting on the image of this ornament and what it means to me. I envision myself with my hand raised high reaching out to God.

When I look at this image, I am reminded of the times when I am just barely reaching for God . . . and God is there, bending down to listen as I pray.
Wendy Grasz

At times I am reaching to be filled with God’s light and love. Other times, I am reaching to give to God what is weighing me down and longing to be light again. This little ornament and the image I am given is a grace note for me in the storm and in the light rays of glory. What images are you drawn to help you through the “storm” of these tumultuous days? Does the same image bring you into the Light?

When I look at this image, I am reminded of the times when I am just barely reaching for God . . . and God is there, bending down to listen as I pray. And then there are times when I look at this image and find joy in spreading my arms out fully reaching for God in everything. No matter how little of a movement I make, God is always there. I need to be reminded of this daily . . . whether stormy or not.

Wendy Grasz, Certified Spiritual Director

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