Day 1 - God’s Light

Rev. Ghana Cooper, LSW, D.Min

And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.

-Genesis 1:14-15 (NRSV)

Please take a moment to think back to a day when you saw the sun rise. The majesty and power of the Sun breaking through the day can be a moment of pause for reflection. Just as the night gives way to day, so do the moments of darkness in our lives give way to God’s light. That light may be found in the form of a smile from a stranger, the touch of a child’s hand, the effortless gazing of a bird soaring in the sky. Remember, God calls light into our day.

Reflection:

How has God brought light into your day?

Day 2 - Toss it!

Laurice Shelven (DePaul Student)

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…a time to keep, and a time to throw away.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1; 6 (NRSV)

We can all recall a time when we have received flowers from someone special. I remember getting a beautiful rose that I proudly displayed on my dining room table for about a week too long. I woke one morning greeted by a horrific smell. I checked the garbage, the refrigerator, laundry, all to no avail. Suddenly, I realized that the terrible odor was coming from my once beautiful rose. How could something so beautiful be the source of such disdain? We sometimes want to hold on to good things for longer than we were intended to have them, but there is a season for everything; a season to keep, and a season to throw away.

Reflection:

Is it time to let go of some things in your life?

Day 3 - The Mystery of Life

BY: LAURICE SHELVEN (DEPAUL STUDENT)

“Daniel answered the king, "No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or diviners can show to the king the mystery that the king is asking, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries…”

- Daniel 2:27-28(NRSV)

It is often said that God works in mysterious ways, but life too can be a mystery. Even the journey to self-discovery can be filled with clues and riddles that no one can interpret. However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He is revealing the mystery of life to you every day. So, instead of seeking the advice of others, seek the wisdom of the all-knowing God, and discover the life that He has planned just for you.

Reflection:

What areas in your life seem unclear and mysterious to you?

Day 4 - To Do

Tiffany Lewis (DePaul Alumna)

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her." -Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)

1. Write a 10 page paper
2. Do laundry
3. Work
4. Clean Room


To do lists make up our lives and everyday we wake up and try to accomplish all of those necessary tasks. Martha feels that same pressure and it upsets her that Mary won’t help complete the tasks. Yet, Jesus reminds Martha that the tasks on her to do list are temporary, and that she only needs one thing, Jesus.

Reflection:

What do you have to do in the next 5 minutes? Hour? Day? Is spending time with Jesus on the list? Do you even need a to do list?

Day 5 - Covering

Rev. Ghana Cooper, LSW, D.Min

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.

-1 Peter 4:8 (NRSV)

More than anything, we cannot overlook or forget to love. We should make ourselves committed to being open to love and giving love to others. The beauty of love is that it leads us to forgiveness. Thus, love is important because we are transformed by the forgiveness that love brings in to our lives. When we love we forgive, when we are loved we are forgiven. The inhale and exhale pattern of love and forgiveness is what covers us in our time of need.

Reflection:

Take a moment, inhale. Think of who you love and who loves you. Take a moment, exhale. Think of who you have forgiven and who forgives you. Are you thinking of the same people?