Not a Should

"Is there any digging in you need to do at this point -- an intention you would like to reclaim or a practice you want to renew, not as a "should" that weighs you down but as a passage deeper into your path?" (asked the leader of the Lenten retreat

not a should.
not a should. 

Jesus Christ, you FREE us for joyful obedience....
But I confess that I am not always joyful (or obedient, for that matter).

Sometimes I'm grumpy.
In fact, lately I've been often grumpy.

And the list of 'shoulds'.... they nag at me
(leering out from behind the list of 'need-to-dos' and the 'forgot-to-dos')

I shudder at 'shoulds.'


...but breathing?
I forget.

and service?
                obedience?
                                  discipline?
                                                  

 ... these are not 'shoulds'
They are opportunities. space. room.
Filled by grace. (with grace)
In God, life is breath. 

Is.
Not should.
God IS. 

(I forget that sometimes too)