My biggest fear as a pastor and teacher is that I simply create a to-do and not-to-do list for people in my community. Then, each week I add to the list making them feel guilty for not being able to add one more thing to their already busy lives. As I have thought more about the 3-Fold way, I want to make sure that this is not just another "thing to do" on my (and your) list.
I ran across a quote by Dr. Elizabeth Julian, RSM (a Catholic Nun) that asked why not move away from practicing our faith and instead begin to faith our practices. She went on to say,"I believe there is liturgy in the landscape waiting to be experienced, and all are welcome at the table."
What if, instead of adding more spiritual practices to my day, I learned to use what I already do to connect me with God (theosis)? When I shower, allow my mind to think of katharsis and the cleansing of my soul. When I drink my morning coffee, thank God for all the different ways His light comes into my life through beauty, wonderful tastes, and the simple pleasure of the gift of coffee. When I drive to the office or go to a meeting, I learn to see the landscape around me as God sees it...teaming with life and beauty. I join God in caring for the people I encounter each day. Shop owners. Clerks. The sick. The elderly. Kids.
There is an ancient Celtic prayer that was to be said as you splashed cold water on your face 3 times in the morning...
"Let me awaken to you Father, Son, & Holy Spirit."
May you find ways to awaken to God within your normal daily routine. May your eyes be opened to catch glimpses every day of God's Kingdom all around you. May your heart be warmed by the very presence of God that you might take on His nature of love and warm all those around you.
Under the Mercy,
Jason
Quotes above found in "Finding our Way Again" by Brian McLaren
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