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Thanks, Maggie!
My recent challenge in this area has actually come from Chapter 39 of the Rule of Saint Benedict. It is about the proper amount of food, but the principles apply equally well to use of finances:
“Above all overindulgence is avoided.” And “in all matters frugality is the rule.”
Now to actually apply these to the vicissitudes of life!
Blessings,
Sr. BMaggie, I can identify strongly with so much of what you shared. For the last couple of years, I’ve been in what seems like a season of continual transition. Perhaps it would be more helpful for me to look at it as a season of learning to surrender.
Your image of the life cycle of the fruit tree was particularly striking for me. Am I in a season of dormancy at the moment? The thing is…
When a plant is in its dormant phase, growth and fruit are not obvious above ground, but the root system is going deeper and preparing to support the visible life of the plant through the stresses of spring blossoming and summer drought and heat, so that luscious fruit is produced come fall. This is why it’s best to plant and prune in late fall, so that the root system gets well established before the plant encounters the stresses of other seasons.
Maggie, you’ve given me much to ponder! Blessings, sister!
Maggie, first of all let me offer my prayers and support as you deal with your husband’s health issues. I do hope you’ll have a restful holiday, and that the surgery goes smoothly. Blessings to both of you!
I completely identify with both the necessity of structure and with the challenges of achieving it. I personally find the offices deeply meaningful, but not as much as “connecting” with God in a less formal manner throughout the day. Like you, I’m definitely not on Br. Lawrence’s level, but keep working on growing in that direction.
I recently read another wonderful little book, “The Sign of the Cross” by Bert Ghezzi. Although not as deep as Br. Lawrence’s book, it has given me several practical ideas to use throughout the day. It’s a light read. I’d highly recommend it.
Blessings,
Sr. BWhat a great idea! The lectionary is something I take for granted. It’s something “other people” use. I’m just the recipient of their knowledge when I attend a service or pray the offices with an audio app. But there’s no reason I can’t develop a working familiarity with the lectionary readings and their significance. Thanks!
Hi all! I’m on the road again. I’m doing a bit better, I think, at being a consistent me, whether on the road or at home. But life prior to this trip was very full, and I am reveling in the chance to pull away and relax. Through the centuries, men and women of God have recognized the value of retreating periodically from their everyday lives to find refreshment and recalibrate their relationship with the Almighty. What do you all see as the relevance of this bit of wisdom as it relates to our discussion of living without silos?
Maggie, you have given me something to ponder. I had never considered the distinction between vision and mission. Like you, I’ve been inspired and guided by the beautiful prayer of St. Francis. But I’ve put so much emphasis on the present moment that I haven’t really given much thought to the longer view, at least not in quite some time. Thank you for challenging me to stretch my thinking! 🙂
Ah… The besetting sin of talking too much. Thank you, Sister, for the reminder that God doesn’t generally need me to be His mouthpiece! Bless you!
I’m always amazed at the extent to which I’m willing to go to rationalize in or to exert my own will. I’m so grateful for the gentle, persistent reminders from the Spirit that I need to continually submit my will to the will of the Father!
Brothers, I’ve missed both of you lately! Your giftedness has certainly enriched my life! I’m looking forward to connecting with both of you again soon!
Blessings,
Sr. BI just finished reading a wonderful (short!) piece that speaks beautifully to this issue of contemplation and growth: “Jesus at the Age of Twelve” by Aelred of Rievaulx. He writes so beautifully of how even Jesus had to grow, and how God brings us along the same path of growth. I’d highly recommend it!
Blessings!
Sr. BSister Deanna, your words are a great encouragement to me. I’ve always struggled with a desire for approval. Right now there are one or two situations that come to mind where an others centered attitude could only benefit all parties concerned. How might these “difficult” individuals repond if I treated them with respect? How might relationships begin to heal? And how might my “need” for approval dissipate? Thank you for sharing this bit of wisdom.
Something relatively new to me, which may help to shape that annual rhythm, is the observance of the feast days of saints. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been using an audio version of the Daily Office which incorporates information about the saint(s) whose feast is that day. It’s a beautiful, regular reminder about our history as God’s people and, more importantly, about the communion of the saints, of which we are a part. I’ve been richly blessed already.
I have found such joy in the contemplative life, even though I feel like a rookie! The dark quiet of the early morning in Vigils and Centering Prayer is lovely beyond words! Tom and Monty, you are both such an encouragement to me! Bless you, brothers!
Monty, I’ve been thinking about your post this week as the couple of volunteer jobs I was doing have seemed to dry up and I’m wondering what to “do” next. I’ve been taught from the cradle, at least by implication, that recognition is a good thing. But Jesus had a few things to say about putting stock in the recognition of men. What does that say about this season of my life? What is really going on in my heart? Am I living by my culture’s “shoulds”? Or am I willing to be obscure? Pondering…
I’m curious about something. I’ve generally (not always) heard that we’re given at least one gift when we come to faith, and that this is our gift for the rest of our earthly lives. But my experience and observations of others’ lives over the years don’t necessarily bear this out. Nor do I see strong Biblical support for this idea. The other teaching I’ve (less frequently) heard is that we are given gifts as they are needed to do whatever work God has for us to do at any given time. An example might be when someone is given the ability to heal in a particular situation, then never again sees evidence of that particular gift. Another example may be the gift of martyrdom, which is generally only experienced or exercised once. What are your thoughts? What Biblical support do you see for your position?
