Tag Archives: Blessing

Day 89: Empathy

Daily Sheet: Day 89: Empathy

Family Book: “The Long March: The Chocktaw’s Gift to Irish Famine Relief”

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Travel: Oklahoma; Texas

Song: “Why It Matters” – Sara Groves (with lyrics)

Sit with me and tell me once again of the story that’s been told us, of the power that will hold us, of the beauty, of the beauty, Why it matters.

Speak to me until I understand why our thinking and creating, why our efforts of narrating about the beauty, of the beauty, And why it matters.

Like the statue in the park of this war torn town, and its protest of the darkness and the chaos all around, with its beauty, how it matters, How it matters.

Show me the love that never fails, the compassion and attention midst confusion and dissension, like small ramparts for the soul, How it matters.

Like a single cup of water, How it matters.

Questions:

  • Compare “empathy” to “sympathy.”  Which is more meaningful?  Why?
  • Why do you think the story of Jesus raising the widow’s son was chosen for “Empathy” rather than for “Compassion?”
  • Think about the story of “The Long March” while you re-read the bolded lines at the end of Sara Groves’ song, “Why It Matters.”  How do you think the Chocktaw’s act of kindness, inspired by empathy, might have built “small ramparts for the soul”?  And what is the “single cup of water” reference?
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Day 88: Vision

Daily Sheet: Day 88: Vision

Family Book: “On the Oregon Trail”

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Travel: Idaho; Oregon; Washington

Hymn: “Be Thou My Vision” – Chelsea Moon

Be Thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart.  Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.  Thou my best thought by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true word.  I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord.  Thou my great Father, I Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise.  Thou my inheritance, now and always.  Thou and Thou only, first in my heart.  High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won.  May I reach heaven’s joys, oh, bright heaven’s sun.  Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, oh Ruler of all.

Video: “Be Thou My Vision” – Fernando Ortega (set against images from the Hubble telescope)

Consider the following three translations of Proverbs 29:18:

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.  (New American Standard Bible – NASB)

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; But blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.  (New International Version – NIV)

Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.  (King James Version – KJV)

Questions:

  • Is vision important?  Why or why not?
  • What does Proverbs 29:18 teach us about vision?  Use the above three translations to explain.
  • How are vision and restraint linked?  How can you apply this in your own life?
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