Today, we take off on a four week journey. We will be exploring some of Ben Campbell Johnson’s book Calming the Restless Sea: A Journey Toward God. Before we begin to seriously consider spending time with prayer and meditation, Johnson asks that we spend a bit of time wondering. Just thinking. Considering. He gives us these statements to guide us: Wonder about your desire for value and worth, wonder about the deep yearnings in your heart, wonder about the desire you feel for community, and , finally, wonder about the bigger - than - life questions people have always asked ( Who am I?, Where did I come from?, What am I doing here?, Where am I going? ). It might be helpful to write down what your thoughts are as you wonder.

     With our minds kicked into gear from the wondering exercise, consider this: Into all of this wondering God is present, in the middle of all that is going on around us. And, not only present, but desiring to know us, love us, and to help us find meaning for our lives. Johnson suggests that we begin our times or prayer and meditation by making the following statement: “ God has been seeking my attention and affection. ” He speaks of God as a loving companion and as a seeker of the human person. God desires, above all else, a loving, trusting, saving relationship with humanity. That is what we were created to enjoy and that remains God’s driving motivation. That motivation is seen most clearly in Jesus who came to the earth bringing love and mercy. Jesus is God’s continued search for a good relationship with humanity.

     I want you to read and consider these three texts. All three are found in Luke, chapter 15. Read Luke 15: 4 - 7 then read Luke 15: 8 - 10 then read Luke 15: 11 - 24. Read them individually and take the time to wonder over them individually. Let each story of things lost, sought, and found wash over you. Now read all three passages at one time and ask: What do these stories tell us about God? Jesus tells these stories to communicate to people how deeply God is involved in seeking relationships with humanity. In these stories God is depicted as active, searching, and caring. A sheep, a coin, a son – all have in common being lost, separated – and all have in common being found. And, when they are fond there is great joy.

     This is the starting point for our journey: God is interested in us. God desires a relationship that is real and alive. Maybe this beginning exercise will help us see that God has always been involved in our lives. Let’s go back to our initial wondering and add to them with these: Just imagine that God ... has been trying to lead you to points of discovery; and, through deeper questions has been hinting at the lasting answers of value and worth; and, in the everyday experiences of life has been appearing to us; and, is offering to help us find the way that our lives intersect with God’s purpose.

     Johnson concludes this beginning with these words, “ Every earthly substitute for God suffers the same fate in the end. You and I were made for something more than earth can offer. Peace comes through finding in God the answers to our deepest questions. Nothing else can provide the contentment we seek. ”

     Grace and peace.