We read and reflect on Matthew 20:29-34. I talk about distractions and interruptions and where God’s work gets done. I also talk about needing to know and name my own needs to be able to get what I need.

We read and reflect on Matthew 20:17-28. I talk about how I’ve abused this passage to abuse myself, seeking to serve to be great and so denied and abandoned myself. I also talk about what I want to be as a parent: gentleness, humor, respect, and love.

We read and reflect on Matthew 20:1-16. I talk about being a reactor more than an actor. I also talk about being a person who is jealous, and driven by compulsion.

We read and reflect on Matthew 19:23-30. I talk about giving things up to follow Jesus... or what I would if I knew I was following. I also talk about judgment and forgiveness and mercy and grace, and the higher power I would want to have.

We read and reflect on Matthew 19:13-22. I talk about giving things away, and about living inside the rules and how I’ve done it not to find life but to hide from it. I also talk about the rules that (might) help us find God, and commit to giving some of my excess energy to them tomorrow.

We read and reflect on Luke 12:49-56. I talk about the fact that conflict is just a part of living, of having passion or a mission, and the ways I tune out for either. I also talk about how to be about the work Jesus showed up to do, and prevaricate about taking an action step.

We read and reflect on Matthew 19:1-12. I talk about faith and scripture and where I am with them right now in an inverted curve. I also talk about receiving grace and love where I am. I commit to asking for a tender heart.

We read and reflect on Matthew 18:21-35. I talk about playing the victim and needing to learn how to give myself mercy.

We read and reflect on Matthew 18:10-20. I talk briefly about not trying to change those who cannot it will not change. I also winder aloud about being the person who others approach to change.

We read and reflect on Matthew 18:1-9. I talk about my ongoing lack of clarity around the relationship between the inner child, the true self, and the higher power. I also talk about how children feel a much greater range of emotions than I do, and have no problem ever expressing them. Ha! I also talk about how I see potential in this format for youth ministry.