I believe in diving in at the deep end and living intensely on purpose.
January’s coziness accommodates time for stillness and reflection so I am taking advantage of that today. Intentional, intense stillness before the face of God. The notion of actually hearing from God is presumptuous I know, but I am expectant and open to the mystery of it. Perhaps we will hear God through one another this day. I am listening.
There are a few (!) books I have read of late that affect and nourish my longing for greater wisdom and stillness to listen well. I list 3 of them here with a single quote from each.
Listening to the God who Speaks by Klaus Bockmuehl
“Being forgiven means overcoming the rigid and ossified status quo, thawing the ice so that the rivers of life can flow again. ‘Wash me…create in me a clean heart…’ (Psalm 51:7, 20) – a heart able afresh to perceive God’s leading. Forgiveness presupposes God’s regenerating work, and thus is the gateway to guidance. Guidance … is the fruit of change.” (pp. 40-41)
Lifesigns by Henri Nouwen
“Joy is always connected with movement, renewal, rebirth, change – in short, with life.” (p. 88)
Prayer by Hans Urs von Balthasar
“Practiced, experienced love suddenly realizes ‘So that is it!’ It is something marvelously simple and natural (even it if calls for heroism) because it is made for us, although on our own we would never have found it and been able to measure up to it….it is the essence of God himself, who gave his Son for us and poured his Spirit, which is the Spirit of love, into our hearts.” (p. 218)
Forgiveness. Joy. Love.
May you know each of these in full measure – and, in stillness, hear God speak into your heart and mind this January day.
