JohnPalmieri.com

The Season of Lent provides an intentional time of enriching our lives spiritually. Although fasting is to be a regular spiritual discipline of every Christ follower, Lenten Season is an occasion of 40 days of focused abstinence. Seasons of fasting fatten our spiritual lives in at least two ways; first when we deny ourselves things that we are regularly accustomed to (food, media, treats, sex) we create open spaces for God to fill. For example, when I feel the pangs of hunger I look to the “bread of Life” to fill my empty place.  When I want to decompress from a hectic day; instead of turning on the TV I light some incense, play soft music and read inspirational spiritual works.  I create empty places in my life for the sole purpose of God filling them.

Secondly, participating in Lent prepares us for Easter. It’s the isolation in darkness that fills us with gratitude for the fullness of dawn. The valley prepares us for the breath taking vistas of the mountain top. Meditation on Christ’s suffering fills us with praise for his resurrection. The denial of self puts us in touch with our weakness and gives us empathy for those who feel hopeless in this world. The despair of hopelessness always precedes the life giving hope of His resurrection. So why not be intentional to get in touch with the suffering that comes before Easter? I would imagine that if we are deliberate in this respect, a new appreciation of Easter will birth in our hearts.

Scriptural Meditation: Psalm 63:1-8

PROCESSING PAIN

It is not uncommon for me to experience debilitating abdominal pain. Pain that radiates from my abdomen to my head and often comes with severe migraine, nausea, and muscle knots between my shoulder blades. I’ve asked God on several occasions to take it away and for now it seems as if this illness is here to stay. Although I do not like any aspect of this illness I have come to appreciate the lessons I’m learning in bouts of infirmity.

Here are a few lessons I’m learning:

• My deepest well being is not dependent on my physical health…but my spiritual rest in Christ.
• Pain teaches me empathy and compassion towards others.
• Prolonged physical pain empties me of myself…keeping my self reliance/independence in check.
• In illness I’ve pondered the brevity of life and have come to value my loved ones above all else – especially my wife.
• The land of gratefulness is where I want to reside …life is too short to carry the subtlety and brazenness of resentment.
• The Apostle Paul’s words sum it up for me; “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (II Corinthians 12:9-10)

Another insightful article: A Biblical Perspective on Chronic Pain and Illness

Today is for honoring my mother (Phyllis Palmieri) (Eph. 6:2). Not too many people know that my mom became an orphan at age 4. She was adopted into a very abusive family and after one too many beatings she ran away at the tender age of 16 — never to return. I can’t tell her story as effectively as she can, but I do want to take time to thank her. Mom, I can’t find the right words to express my gratitude for reaching through your wounded-ness and touching my life. I know that there isn’t another person in the world who feels as deeply for me as you do. Your love is relentless, sacrificial, consistent and passionate. You’ve loved from the heart of an orphan – one who is acquainted with sorrow, abandonment, loss, and loneliness. You taught me how to love. The saying; ‘he who loves much hurts much’ is surely true in your life. All your pain will one day make sense and the journey of your life will be seen as significant…for your hands and smile have touched many. You’ve done this by serving the ‘least of these’ (Mat. 25:40). People who know you, I mean really know you; don’t need to be convinced that you are a very special person. I love you mom and I’m proud to be called your son!