On holy Saturday, we are still in a dark place. If we live long enough, we will have these dark Saturdays, where the darkness could overtake us. As we wait for significant test results, we lose someone we care about, struggle to make ends meet, and so many other challenges that can keep us in a dark place.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
What do we do when the world is still dark?
Throughout his life, the late minister Frederick Buechner wrote about stewardship in a way that differs from how it is often discussed during annual tithing campaigns or how we steward or care for our land. He preached and wrote about the “stewardship of pain.”
“Being a good steward of your pain . . . involves being alive to your life. It involves taking the risk of being open, of reaching out, of keeping in touch with the pain as well as the joy of what happens because at no time more than at a painful time do we live out of the depths of who we are instead of out of the shallows.”
Buechner talks about how pain can connect us more deeply with others and help us grow. Instead of just saying ‘I’m fine’ when someone asks how you are, be honest and open about your response if you’re in pain. Sharing our honest story may help and connect us to others.
This song reminds me of what Buechner talks about…to have the courage to dance even when it is hard.
I wanted to share a place where you can read more about Buechner’s ideas on stewardship. Please head to his website:
1. https://www.frederickbuechner.com/buechnerreview/august23
2. https://www.frederickbuechner.com/buechnerreview/november23
So maybe this Holy Saturday, you can look at some of the darkness in the world as a gift from God, and that this darkness is teaching us a lesson. What if Jesus’ death on the cross is that story where darkness can be overcome? What if this is not the end, but a new beginning?
Shared by Marcie Doll
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