“Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5)
The psalmist offers us a glimpse of the energy and grace that come to those who keep their hearts open to the life-giving presence of Yahweh. Even the driest desert can become “a place of springs” where the “early rain also covers it with pools” as “they go from strength to strength” (vv. 6–7).
From January to May, we were in a dry place of unknowing as Juan was tested, poked, and prodded to discover the source of his severe pain and weakness. We entered a scorching desert on May 15 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given an 8–12 month life expectancy. We have been astounded at the peace that keeps us centered daily as the dust devils of pain, chemo, an inability to eat, and the chaos of this disease whirl around us. We have been blessed beyond counting to find that promised “place of springs” as we travel with confidence on the highway of Christ to the very heart of God.
Prayer
Wherever you are is where we want to be, for you are our home, God of peace. Even the weakest among all your creatures entrusts its life and loved ones to the peace of your abiding place. To be at home with you inspires our songs of praise and joy. Day by day our souls are built up with hope. We move from strength to strength, for we count on your strength to live by, not our own. How blessed we are, God of peace. How blessed we are to live in your holy, life-giving presence today and every day. Amen.
The Revs. Kathy and Juan Treviño, Brownsville, Texas
Kathy wrote the meditation; Juan wrote the prayer.
Proclaiming the Good News of God's Peace is dedicated to the memory of the Rev. Juan Francisco Treviño, co-author of one of the devotions, who died on September 12, 2009, and to all those peacemakers who accompany us in the mystery of the communion of saints.
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