Fall in Love With Trying
Dear Savannah and Sutton,
Listen to other people’s opinions, but don’t let them determine who you are. Seek the wisdom of others, but don’t let them rob you of your dreams. Consider other viewpoints, but ultimately it is your decision. Take time to listen to the voices within, but don’t use that as an excuse to procrastinate. Use your initiating energy to take action, try, fail, try again, move forward and let your outward actions reflect your inward dreams and ideals. It’s your life. You don’t have to have it figured out; just live it and embrace it.
-Dad
Inside Out Lectionary Letters
Readings for Epiphany Sunday, January 4 (or January 6), 2026
Isaiah 60:1-6 / Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 / Ephesians 3:1-12 / Matthew 2:1-12
The portion of scripture that is referred to as the Psalms is broken up into five books or sections. This is likely intended to coincide with the five books of the Pentateuch. Thus, it is a book of songs that is intended to coincide with the journey of the Israelites. Psalm 72 is the last Psalm in the second book. It follows the pattern of a national prayer on behalf of the king.
Prayers for external circumstances can be viewed as originating out of internal struggles, desires, hopes and conflicts. This prayer asks that God bless the king of the nation with righteousness and prosperity. It asks that the king defend the afflicted, save the children, and deliver the needy. The desire is that this king be known not for wealth and power, but for justice and righteousness. There is a conquering or initiating side to all of us. When it is out of balance it can lead to self-serving competition, vilification of others, greed and abusive power. On the other hand, a complete absence of that voice in our life can lead to stagnation, missed opportunities, being bullied, and can contribute to depression.
This prayer can be one for inner resolve, a visionary spirit, that finds joy in accomplishing tasks that benefit all. It is a posture within us that opens the doors for increased prosperity, while simultaneously increasing the attitude of generosity. It sees power as a way to help others and bring about justice.
The inner voice that represents the dynamic-masculine energy in our life is a powerful force. However, when it is out of balance in either direction, it is destructive to the other parts within us. But when it is expressed in healthy ways, it makes room for all the voices within the inner kingdom. It works in harmony with all that is within. And then the outward expression of that holy inward life naturally produces an outward abundance of love and grace.
Prayer
Lord, help me when I get stuck. Help me to be honest about my fear of failure, my tendency to compare myself to others, and my embarrassment that I don’t always know what I think I’m supposed to know. Help me to fall in love with trying. Amen