Four Somethings is a regular blog post where I feature four fun bits of wisdom. I love this practice as it collects moments for reflection and growth. These “somethings” become markers in our spiritual journey. With so much pivoting and uncertainty in our lives right now, being grounded in a simple practice like this guides my way. Sometimes simple is best, right? I listened to my heart and to God and narrowed down my four categories and to see what they will teach me this year
- Something Wise
- Something Wonderful
- Something Whispered
- Something Whimsical
Something Wise
“You look me in the eyes, Father,
And give me Your full attention.
Teach me how to do the same with You,
And to live life more present to my Maker.”
Beholding: Deepening Our Experience in God by Strahan Coleman
Something Wonderful
I attended my annual silent retreat this year at the Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in Fremont Ohio – a wonderful time of renewal and time with God.
Walking the labyrinth is always a wonderful practice for me. Listening to what God is inviting me to let go of and leaning into where I am being inviting into as I sit quietly in the middle before slowly retracing my steps rewinding my way back into the world. This year I grieved for all the things in my life (and so many of them) that would never be the same again while hearing God’s promise of gifts yet to come. “Yet to come” is a lovely phase. God reinforced the recurring theme of this year I am hearing over and over again – TRUST! Though there has been loss and hurt this year, I left with hope in my heart.
Something Whispered
One morning while praying this summer, all felt disconnected and like I was speaking into a void, empty tomb. On some days like this, I read the Psalms. Some days I sing a worship song. That morning, I took several slow deep breaths and just rested, waited and trusted.
Then it seemed like Jesus was there. He smiled and said, “Hey do you want to play catch?”
I smiled and answered, “I would love to.”
We threw the ball back and forth for quite a while. Relaxed. Delightful.
I want to live my whole life like this – playing catch with Jesus.
Keeping my eyes only on Him.
Letting go of all I am holding onto and giving it all to Him.
Open to receiving what He gives me.
Forever in His presence. Relaxed. Delightful.
Something Whimsical
We took my son-in-law and twin grandsons on a cruise this July while my daughter and granddaughter attended a national youth conference. What a blast and the boys turned 13 the day we swam with dolphins. I think it looks like they had fun, don’t you think? We all did!
Where have you experienced God this summer?
What a fun visualization–you playing catch with Jesus! Your account of the experience could be turned into a poem. Also loved the pic of you with the dolphins! Those big smiles DO indicate everyone was having a great time! We experienced God’s creativity, majesty, and power in Washington State, while visiting our daughter and family. They took us to the Hoh Rain Forest where huge trees, undergrowth, and masses of moss provide a Hobbit habitat if ever there was one! And then, of course, Mt. Rainier is breath-taking!
That dolphin experience was wonderful especially on their birthday. so glad you too experienced nature like that. The world is amazing. God is so creative!
thank you jean…..loved “Jesus looking at me in the eyes”..so many people do not…loved your family dolphin pic!!!!!!…fun and amazing!!.i appreciated your comment on feeling disconnected and that you trusted and waited and Jesus asked you to play catch…He has asked me to dance with Him during an untethered from the familiar which old age seems to attract consistently…i bought and am reading your rule of life book..just started and did just finish “ruthless trust”…pls consider writing a book on this journey of aging…i cant imagine stepping one foot into it without our Precious Lord..
peace
Thank you for buying the book and I agree a book about journey into aging would be very valuable. Trust would be a big part of it and lots of wisdom too. letting go too I imagine. Grief too. lots of great memories too. Blessings, Pat!!
What a joyful adventure this summer has been for you, Jean! I loved the photo of your family all smiling and enjoying the water, and the image of playing catch with Jesus warmed my heart and reminded me once again of the importance of play. Learning to let go and let God is a struggle for so many of us, but it’s people like you who inspire us to do just that.
Blessings always!
The image of playing catch was powerful for me and still is. I simply close my eyes and play for awhile with Jesus!