Facing Monday with a song and without fear

Its Monday morning already here in Dresden, well really, really early Monday morning. But you know it is a day you can embrace with joy, and courage. You don't have to take the Mamas and Papas words, "Monday, Monday, can't trust that day," or the Bangles, "just another Manic Monday," as how you feel about the start of a new week.

A favorite hymn echoes thoughts from the Bible: "This is the day the Lord hath made, be glad, give thanks, rejoice. Stand in His presence unafraid, in praise lift up your voice."

I often find inspiration from the birds here in Dresden. One of my favorites is the Amsel, or the European Blackbird. Remember the Beatles song, "Blackbird singing in the dark of night?" Well, that is so true. I am often awake quite early, four or five in the morning, (we have a one year old little girl that rises early ! ) The streets are dark and quiet, no cars, no pedestrians, but the trees are full of song. Those Blackbirds are singing joyously, even though it is pitch black outside.

What an inspiration that can be. Perhaps all kinds of worries are looming in your experience and maybe have even caused you a sleepless night of tossing and turning. But while it is still dark and quiet, and before the world wakes up and starts pounding on your door, turn your thought to God. In that dark stillness that can be like the "closet" that Jesus recommended we enter in prayer, open your heart to a loving Father-Mother. Remind yourself that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapters 5-7, "your Father knoweth what things you have need of before you ask him. " And remember that Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father which art in heaven......" "Our Father !!!!" Jesus never taught of an exclusive relationship with God, instead he repeatedly reminded those who would listen to him that God is our Father, a loving, caring parent who gives only good to His creation. And Jesus teachings were no hollow words, he followed his words with actions that proved without a doubt that all sin, sickness, and death fell before the love of God. The teachings of Christ Jesus were not about a blind belief in a future never, never land. This loving, compassionate Saviour demonstrated God's love for man in continual healing and comfort. And he promised in the Gospel of John, "He that believeth in me, the works that I do, shall he do also."

So rather than looking at the coming week and a blue Monday as inevitable, look and listen for the message of the Christ, coming to thought and inspiring you to a song of joy and gratitude. Just like the blackbird that sings in the dark of night, lift your voice in praise even when you seem to be surrounded in the darkness of fear and mortality. And the promise that your Father already knows your need and supplies it, can encourage you to embrace the day with joy and gratitude.

This Monday morning we can hear the wonderful song of our Father,the song of the universe, ringing out in harmony and hope. And like the prophet Isaiah we can hear the Father telling us: "Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Rick Stewart C.S.
Christian Science Practitioner
Dresden, Germany
Monday, March 2, 2009

RickStewartCS@aol.com