Image via WikipediaPonder - what a delightful word!To ponder usually means to think about something.But it has more depth than that.To ponder can mean to consider quietly, somberly and deeply; to examine attentively or deliberately or even to wrestle with.One definition referred “to weigh in your mind.” The word actually comes form Latin meaning to weigh. I like that image. Take a Bible verse, for instance, and gently put in on the scales within your head balancing it with your life experiences, your beliefs, your hopes and dreams and let it slowly seep into your heart.My favorite definition is to “chew on.” Or as Rainer Maria Rilke wrote writing that requires the reader who “does not always remain bent over his pages; he often leans back and closes his eyes over a line he has been reading again, and its meaning spread through his blood.”Eugene Peterson wrote a book about the art of spiritual reading call “Eat This Book.” His definition is “reading that … [Read more...]
Eight Ways to Practice Humility – Moshe Cordovero
Image via WikipediaHumility – not a word we ponder much. At least I don’t.Maybe that is the problem, right? HA!Then I read this story the other day that made me mull over the concept of humility in my life.A man asked his rabbi why people couldn't see the face of God. What had happened that they could no longer reach high enough to see God?The rabbi, a very old man, had experienced a lot in his life and was very wise. "My son," he said, "that is not the way it is at all. You cannot see the face of God because there are so few who can stoop that low. How sad this is, but it is the truth. Learn to bend, to bow, to kneel and stoop and you will be able to see God face-to-face."Ever notice when God stirs your heart on a matter, the key word pops up all over? He wasn’t done with me yet.The day after I read that story I saw in the Thirty Good Minutes email a story about eight ways to practice humility. 30 Good Minutes is a collection of inspirational videos, stories of faith and reflections … [Read more...]
Online Spiritual Direction
Image via WikipediaI have been a spiritual director since 2006 and have offered spiritual direction, both individually and in a group.Spiritual direction is the process of accompanying people on a spiritual journey. Spiritual direction emphasizes growing closer to God.Spiritual direction, sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance or spiritual friendship, is an on-going relationship in which one person (the directee), desirous of being attentive to his or her spiritual life, meets with another person (the director) on a regular basis (approximately once a month), specifically for the purpose of becoming more attuned to God's Presence in order to respond more fully to that Presence in all of life.Spiritual direction has been part of the Christian tradition for centuries. The latest issue Presence, the journal for spiritual directors published by Spiritual Directors International, has an article about a new venue for this practice. Online.Image by Sean MacEntee via Flickr“E-spiritual … [Read more...]
Spiritual Lessons in Artwork, Photography, and Sacred Images
We have all heard, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Do artwork, photographs, icons, or symbols ever speak of God to your heart?Henri Nouwen wrote a book – The Return of the Prodigal Son - about his experience contemplating and praying with God about Rembrandt’s famous painting.A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. Nouwen studied all the characters in the parable: the younger son's return, the father's loving forgiveness, the elder son's vengefulness, and the father's compassion. He wrote, “Constantly falling back into an old trap, before I am even fully aware of it, I find myself wondering why someone hurt me, rejected me, or didn’t pay attention to me. Without realizing it, I find myself brooding about someone else’s success, my own loneliness, and the way the world abuses me. Despite my conscious intentions, I often catch myself daydreaming about becoming rich, powerful, and … [Read more...]
Hospitality – Welcoming Christ
Image by m.gifford via FlickrWelcoming Christ was the theme of my post on Sunday (see below) and the word hospitality continues to linger in my heart.In the comment section of Saturday’s post, Colleen reminded me that hospitality was a strength within the Benedictine order. In fact, hospitality is one of the key components of the Benedictine life-style. In his Rule, Saint Benedict says “Let all guests that come to the monastery be received as Christ.”We try to model our lives after Christ. Jesus paid attention to others. He really “saw” them. We see this happen over and over again in the Gospels.I know I get so blinded by misleading emotions, misunderstandings, and my own mistakes. I judge instead of tenderly trying to see from the other person’s perspective. I fail to really see others as Christ sees them.Then I miss Him. I don’t see Christ.Hospitality can be providing a meal, a warm welcome, or a place to rest, but I think it can mean so much more in our daily interactions with … [Read more...]
Community: Making a Soul-Connection: Guest Post by June Maffin
I wrote a post earlier this month about the importance of cultivating connections in life. (click here to read that post) A fellow writer and internet friend, June Maffin, sent me a very kind email in response and shared a similar post she wrote in 2010. She graciously allowed me to share her words with you today.Dr. June (Mack) Maffin was raised in Montreal and presently lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. She has just completed her third book: “Soulistry-Artistry of the Soul: Creative Ways to Nurture your Spirituality.” I reviewed her latest book earlier this year. click here for review.Soulistry is available in both paperback and e-book format through www.amazon.com and local booksellers. Check out her web site too.Thank you, June, for being here today and sharing your words:Community: Making a Soul-ConnectionI first heard the words from Sarah in a small northern Alaskan village where I was serving as a consultant with the Episcopal Church. The tiny, elderly, … [Read more...]
More Spiritual Nourishment
How do you recharge your spirit when you feel depleted? I spoke this week at two events where pastors shared with one another their need to for their own spiritual nourishment while walking with others on their journeys. Pastors often take care of others before themselves, become overwhelmed by multiple demands, and face fatigue and stressors that drain their souls. Like all of us, even pastors need to intentionally cultivate an inner life with Christ.I gave them this image:Most of us have flown in an airplaneYou know the drill: Fasten your seat belts. Find the exits. In the case of a sudden change in air pressure in the cabin, oxygen masks will drop from the compartment above you.Then they say something interesting and I bet you can say it word by word with me: “if you are with a young child or someone who may need help, put the mask on yourself first, then help the other person.”Oxygen is vital. You can’t help someone else with this essential life giving force without first … [Read more...]
Cultivating Connections
Kyla turned two on Sunday. We had a beautiful day –perfect weather – friends, family, and a gaggle of toddlers enjoying the sun, backyard wagon rides, and learning to take turns sliding on the new swing set.How blessed we are to have two sets of great grandparents, three grandparents, a great aunt, aunts and uncles, cousins plus friends celebrating life together. I paused and deeply took it all in. What a gift to have multiple generations connecting.God gave us community. He plants the seeds to create loving, supportive bonds through family and friends. We live healthier lives when we nourish those seeds and help them blossom. I haven’t always appreciated this gift. I complain about the time it takes. I whine when I don’t see immediate results. I focus on the labor and not the often, invisible benefits. I let my pride and self sufficiency lead a lonely walk instead of enjoying the journey with companions willing to walk with me. Even in the age of social networking and instant … [Read more...]