Poem: INVITED
Written by Rev. Sarah Are

I like to imagine that each year,
God invites me to a party.
God drops me a note that says,
“No gifts, casual dress. Come just as you are.”
I like to imagine that I am brave enough to go.
I like to imagine that I decide that I am worth it.
This was no pity invite,
There is no obligatory postage.
God wants me there.
So I get myself together,
Smudged glasses, sensitive ego, wrinkled shirt, and all.
I ring the doorbell a few minutes late on account of
the fact that
I lost my keys twice trying to get out the door,
And I almost turn back to hide in my car,
Afraid that I might embarrass myself over
appetizers or small talk.
But then God answers the door,
And God says, “You’re here!”
And I smile, because I am.
And with every step past that threshold,
I know that God is cheering me on.
It’s the pride of a parent watching their child take
their first step.
If I freeze, God is not disappointed.
If I fall, God is not mad.
But if I trust the invitation,
If I move closer,
I know, God celebrates.
Friends, you’ve got mail.
It’s an invitation to dust off your shoes,
To go deeper,
To trust that you’re worth it,
To lose your keys and your faith,
And then to find them both, along with your worth.
You are invited.
We are invited.
Again and again and again.
This invitation is for you.

Daily Devotion: Those who dream

Read: Psalm 126

Reflection Questions: What dreams do you have for this world? For yourself? For your community?

Prayer: God of tomorrow, brokenness weighs on us. No one is left untouched. And so we lift our eyes to you, reaming of the day when love is all we carry. Give us the strength to be those who dream—today and tomorrow. Amen.

—Prayer by Rev. Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org