Word Wednesday

The word that stirs within me this week is, empty.  Often times we hear this word as something negative.  To be empty is to be lacking, needing, less than.  We live in a culture that worships the idol of abundance and extravagance.  We think that every moment our cup has to runneth over.  We know our portion sizes at restaurants have grown, our homes are McMansion compared to sixty years ago, our necessities of electronics that are designed to last only a few years cause us to constantly consume. 

Okay...if you are still reading this...thank you, but I realize that the above is not exactly uplifiting.

But, I also think that the word, "empty" has gotten a bad rep.  Empty can be open and spacious and ready to receive.  When you are empty, just a bit can begin to fill you...but when you are overflowing, just a bit more won't satisfy.  I think of communion where a tiny piece of bread and sip of juice we preach/proclaim is more than enough grace to sustain us.

It isn't either/or, but rather both/and.

Empty can be longing.
Empty can be a willingness.
Empty can be a grief and pain.
Empty can be a prayer of hope.
Empty can be a state in our hearts and souls that ache.
Empty can be a state where we have poured ourselves out and rest knowing we did all we could.

When you have had an experience of being empty that is both broken open and blessedness?

The song above is a lament of emptiness from Marius following the battle scene.  He has lost his friend.  He still has his love Cosette, but he grieves that he is alive while so many have perished.  I get that.  I know people who have died from the virus, yet I am alive.  I know people who daily risk, yet I have the chance to be more cautious and careful.  There can be an emptiness in these days that hurts and an emptiness that can moves us toward a deeper dream where all people can thrive.

Where are you empty right now?
Where might one trace of God's grace be enough to offer strength and sustain you this day?

May your responses to those questions open you to God who sings within each of us.  Amen.