Page 18 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Week 1: February 27-March 3 (cont)

When I first moved to Lincoln, I had just gone through a painful divorce. My family
lived far from Lincoln and the only people I knew were those I worked with. My initial

visit to First Lutheran Church was a lonely one. I didn’t know anyone and I sat alone
among many strangers. I’m sure many people greeted me that day, but it was the
familiar liturgy and hymns that truly welcomed me. The choir’s anthem welcomed me.

It was the music that put its arms around me and said, “Welcome home.” The very next
week, as I sat and sang with the choir, I knew I was home.
~Carla Joy Osberg (20 yrs with First Lutheran)

Prayer

Loving Spirit, Your “welcome” is music to our ears. A tune we never grow tired of
hearing. A song that says to us, "You are home and you belong." May we never stop
singing this song into the lives of others and may we always remember how we felt

when we heard this song sung to us. Amen.

Reflection Questions/Activities

Besides your own home, was there or is there a place that feels like home for you?
What is it about that space that contributes to these feelings?
How might you help others feel at home when they spend time with you?

Invite someone to your home or invite them to join you in a place that gives you the

feeling of home. Spend time with this person, be present to them, and let them know
how much they mean to you.