To All the Nations

I keep a box filled with old issues of The Upper Room on a shelf in my home. I have years and years of them. Why do I keep so much paper? Some people might say it just adds clutter to my house. But I think it has value as a “library” of shared thoughts by so many people around the world. When I read each day’s meditation, I keep a pen in my hand to underline words that are particularly meaningful to me. Sometimes I turn down a corner of the page to remind me to go back and read a certain meditation again.

Just what is it that draws me to The Upper Room each day? I’ve come to realize that this publication is a unique compilation of feelings and stories of faith shared with me by Christians around the world. Before I read each day’s meditation, I look at the bottom of the page to see who is writing to me. If a picture of the author is included, I go to page 21 or the back cover and read their short biography. Next, I read the quoted verse and open the Bible to read the longer passage. Then I read the author’s meditation, sometimes more than once. Finally, I join with the author in reading their prayer and the thought for the day. 

By doing this, I feel I am in touch with Christians from all nations—Christians who are sharing a bit of their lives with me by sharing their faith and supporting me in my spiritual journey. Now I look at that shelf and realize I’m going to need a bigger box!