“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

   - Psalm 46.10, 11

St. Brendan entered the boat, and with hoisted sail they set off westward into the summer solstice. They had a favorable wind and needed to do no more than trim the sail. But after fifteen days the wind dropped and they rowed and rowed until their strength failed. Then straightaway St. Brendan began to give them words of comfort and encouragement: “Brothers, you have nothing to fear, for God is our helper. He is our navigator and helmsman, and He shall guide us. Pull in the oars and the rudder. Spread the sail and let God do as He wishes with His servants and their boat.”

  - Anonymous, The Voyage of Brendan, Irish, 12th century (from an earlier ms.)

Studies have shown that creativity works in a peculiar manner. 

When you are faced with a creative challenge of any sort – solve a problem, compose a song or poem, find a way out of a situation – the resolution usually comes during a period of rest, after a season of intense effort and concentrated struggle.

You bend your back to the challenge and pull with all your might on the oars, but you seem to be getting nowhere. Take a rest. Offer the challenge up to the Lord in prayer, and go find something else to do. While you are happily occupied with something else, suddenly the answer to your struggle will begin to form itself in your mind, often, all at once and whole.

Take this as a gift from God; offer Him thanks and praise and attack your challenge once again. Surprising results can emerge when, after we’ve given it our best shot, we cease striving and rest in the Lord. We give Him space to operate as He will in our hearts and minds, and to guide us in ways we might not ever have imagined in our own strength.

We can avoid a good deal of frustration and anxiety if, when everything seems to be muddled beyond hope, we ship our oars, offer the challenge up to the Lord, and get on with something else. We will know His power and presence as God and Lord when we turn from our own strength and make room for Him to fill our sails.

Struggling with something today? Learn the wisdom of resting your challenge with the Lord, and watch what He can do.

Psalm 27.14 (Joanna: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise)
Wait, wait on the Lord; persevere in His grace.
Hold fast to His Word; seek His radiant face.
Be strong, set your heart to abide in His Word;
His grace He imparts; therefore, wait on the Lord.

May my Creator visit me, my Lord, my King; may my spirit seek him in the everlasting Kingdom where he dwells. Anonymous, “All Alone in My Little Cell”

Susie and I, and the Members of The Fellowship of Ailbe, wish you a blessed Christmas in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your support in prayers and gifts during this past year. It is our joy and privilege to serve you.

T. M. Moore, Principal
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