He said, “Listen to my words: “When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams.”

-Numbers 12:6

“I can’t.” It’s the first phrase our toddler figured out and all too common among kids and adults alike. We try to encourage him to either solve a small problem himself or ask if he needs help. We want him to be creative and either find his own solution or learn to ask for help. We don’t want him to become a child or adult who can’t imagine solutions or creative ways to do things. It’s been said that worry is a misuse of imagination. Our scriptures remind us not to worry or get frustrated and even our ordination vows encourage us to use our imaginations. In the midst of the pandemic, I’ve seen incredible creativity for things “we can’t” or shouldn’t do right now. And there’s beauty in that.

Today, as I was scrolling through Instagram, I found an inspirational video. A man could not attend his aunt’s funeral and instead sent a message of love in a way he imagined would convey his message. He scattered seeds in a shape on his field, and as his sheep ran to them, it revealed a heart when seen from above. How might we use our imaginations in a new year? Many of us are stuck only imagining doing things the way we always have. We are not allowing God to give us new visions of what can be and new versions of what could be possible. What could our gatherings, celebrations, memorials, milestones, and worship look like if we allowed the Spirit to move us like this sheep farmer?

This week, think about your favorite things on the horizon in 2022. Maybe it’s a vacation, a mission trip, a family event, or weekly worship. What variety and creativity have you seen in your lifetime? What new ways can you gather, celebrate, mourn, or praise God? Not once before had I seen a man scatter seeds for his flock to mourn the loss of a loved one. But I’ll never forget it, and rarely have I been so moved or inspired. What can we do this year together? Where will God lead us… if we allow ourselves to be so moved?

Prayer for Today

Lord, lead my heart by your spirit through my imagination and give me dreams of what may be. Amen.