But when Herod heard this . . .

Scripture: King Herod had heard about (Jesus), since by now his name was well known. Some were saying, "john the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him." Others said, "He is Elijah," others again, "He is a prophet, like the prophets we used to have." But when Herod heard this he said, "It is John whose head I cut off; he has risen from the dead." Mark 6:14-16

Prayer: Help me not to be as casual as Herod, but rather listen to the words I utter aloud and in prayer.

Response: Or, perhaps, you should recall words spoken or heard to which you attached no particular meaning, and then discover later the truth or insight they contained. Here, Herod casually mentions John rising from the dead, only to confront in time the risen Christ. How many times have you spoken a truth, not even realizing the premonition of a truth you would witness? And instead of seeking to ignore the truth that might be looming in your life, you turn your attention elsewhere.

The goal for you in grace is to accept and detach. Sounds like a paradox doesn't it? How about taking for example the aging process as a truth that some, even you, might seek to ignore, but reluctantly accept? One wistful glance up a long stretch of beach and recalling brisk runs not that many years earlier, or observing someone one third your age doing exactly that helps to put age into a body perspective.

Ah, but the real challenge—more demanding that the run itself—is to detach from nostalgia for a past that does not return; in other dimensions of your life, to detach from the wished for consequences of an activity or effort, and relish the ride in the present. And so, life is more than nodding, I recognize the pattern, but being speechless, astounded by what is happening, unfolding in your life—never to be repeated—especially with the Lord's grace that is manifested in a creative work, action, forgiveness, prayer, or service that is even more remarkable than being twenty four and gliding down the beach at a gallop. Listen for the truths in your life.