Growing up, I was taught that the Saints were a special class of people who, because of their intense goodness, were especially close to God. These people were to be emulated, since they were highly esteemed, but really, not actually were they to be imitated. Us regular, ordinary folk should not be inclined to think that we could actually achieve becoming holy, like them. Rather, in a practical sense, they were treated more like those special dolls placed on the top shelf—the ones we liked to look at because they were so pretty, but that we never actually took down to play with. Becoming holy was considered just a little too fancy for ordinary folk to aspire to.
Waiting and Resting
A good pause marks both waiting and resting. Taking a moment to think before I speak is one example of how a pause can play into the process of waiting. Pausing also factors in to good resting. In order to rest well, we often need to push the pause button on our usual flow of activities of life before we can enter fully and fruitfully into the stillness of rest.
Topics:
Contemplative Practice
Holding Our Expectations in Balance
Having carried and birthed four children, waiting and expectation are opposites that I know I have experienced. So, too, the wedding vows spoken 50+ years ago: engagement and marriage are times of waiting and expectation.
Topics:
Contemplative Practice
Creating Space for a Deeper Longing
Reading this reflection brought to mind a scene I recently observed in Target, while shopping. A mother with two children in her cart and two additional little ones holding onto the cart’s side was teaching her children that “What I want, when I want it” will not happen at this time, in this place!
Topics:
Contemplative Practice
Intensity and Consistency
At times, I am convinced that if I really want to change the world, then a good dose of intensity is needed. A burst of the flame of fire should really heat things up! Yet, the pattern persists, that after I put in a series of long days, or dedicate all of my energy towards a single project, then I often crash and burn afterwards. (Or at least, I need a few good nights of sleep.)
Topics:
Contemplative Practice
Really Here, Not Always Noticed
Today is the feast of the Transfiguration, and as I read “Really Somewhere, Not Really Anywhere,” I was struck by the tension of this set of opposites. Peter, James, and John are taken by Jesus to be present as he is transfigured before their eyes, as he converses with Elijah and Moses. In that moment of grace, their eyes are open, and they “see” who has been with them each and every day: Jesus. Their ears were also graced to hear a Voice: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Again, the grace of the moment allows the disciples to hear, and then the moment passes. They look around and see Jesus, their friend.
Topics:
Contemplative Practice