“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20
I am not good at being still. My mind does not stop. There is always a concern or worry running through my brain, waiting to take hold. Even when I am happy and content, I know it is there. If I stop, it is loud and difficult to ignore. I have learned that with God, I can stop.
It is not easy, it is not always pretty, but I can do it. When I stop, and I compare my worry to the grace of God, when I think with my heart, I can breathe. I can put things into perspective.
When I stop and look for the light and the support around me, I am surrounded by wonder. I am surrounded by awe. I am ready to begin again.
Being still helps me refocus on my faith. I have a small glass heart with a mustard seed in it. It hangs on a simple silver chain. It is not shiny or bright. It is not expensive but it has great value to me. It was given to me by a student in one of my very first Sunday school classes. I was nineteen. I had moved from Montana to Massachusetts to be a nanny and found the only Lutheran Church in Newton.
The familiar hymns, liturgy, and Sunday potlucks (with jello!) brought me comfort at being so far from home. I was thrilled to be asked to teach. I knew the feeling of God’s love and acceptance and have always felt called to instill that in the hearts of young children. That Christmas, a student gave me the necklace with a card from his family that said: “You inspire us with your faith, in others, and in life.”
My faith has been challenged many times. I have seen pain in my family. I have watched amazing friends suffer and die. I have watched children fight battles for their health. I have thought, “Why bother? A few people with faith can’t win in a world filled with anger and fear.” And then I see a smile, I see others reach out, I see joy. It doesn’t take much, a little faith helps me believe in others and in our world. Faith shines brighter than fear and it illuminates those around us who are living their lives with hope. It can be as small as a mustard seed ….and it can help you move mountains.