Last week I climbed Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. I had the support, both physical and mental, of my son and family--hands to hold and guidance about the next path to take. I knew it would be a challenge, but that I could do it, and that I wanted to. I knew I wouldn't fall and that I would make it to the top. Although I wasn't conscious of God as I was climbing, God's presence was in the beauty of the climb. It wasn't until I breathed in the view from the summit that I experienced gratitude and thanked God. But my story is not the only story I want to tell you. Yesterday I heard the story of a friend who fell climbing around a castle ruin in Scotland last August. He broke his leg, ended up in the hospital, and came home to surgery. I'm sure he wasn't thinking he would fall, I'm sure he was careful, I don't know if he was aware of God as he explored. Did it cross his mind to be grateful and thank God after he fell? Would I? Would you?
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Wandering about St. Cuthbert graveyard. It is the site of one of the earliest church in Edinburg, although the present church dates from the 18th century, as do most of the graves. The gravestones proclaim lives well-lived, memorialized by living family members, parishioners, or fellow tradesmen. Remembering the individual was sacred. In cased you missed it, I'm in Edinburgh. Other than 'Quotes' and 'Word and Image' my postings have become sporadic in the past couple of years--I know, I know. Maybe it is because my faith journey has been intense, boundless, comforting, all-consuming, personal…all of that and more. I feel less need to put it into words or to share it. Some journeys we take with others, some alone. This feels more alone with God. I am writing this from Edinburgh, where I am on a week long journey with my son and his family. Lots of fabulous trips around the city and beyond. And yet, I have time to journey alone. Yesterday I attended 9:30 Eucharist at St. Giles Church on the Royal Mile. At the Edinburgh Castle in St. Margaret's Chapel there was the stained glass window of Jesus in the boat with his disciples. Wherever I go, Jesus appears. On Saturday I participated in a workshop on forgiveness at the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) led by Br. Curtis Almquist. I share my notes for you to pray on. The Paradox of Forgiveness: the Gift We Receive Br. Curtis: SSJE Monastery: February 10, 2024 • I didn’t cause it I can’t heal it I can’t stop it
Here's an update on my commitment to practice centering prayer. A month ago I set the goal do so twice a day for 15 minutes, morning and afternoon. Recently I set my timer for 16 minutes, with the thought to move it up one minute every week until I reach the suggested to 20 minutes. Truth be told, I'm not commitment to that length of time, even though it is the standard time expressed by everyone who practices centering prayer. The good news is that except for two days, I have fulfilled this commitment. The other good news is that there isn't any bad news because I have fulfilled my intention--I have shown up. When I meditate my mind is all over the place, but I return to my sacred word--God--whenever I become aware enough to let go of a thought. Fr. Thomas Keating and others would say that I'm doing fine because I show up. I'm not concerned with how I'm doing, which is big step forward for someone like me (and you?) who is performance driven. Alas, this is NOT about performance, it is about showing up to be with God. Since staring this practice, I have become aware of experiencing God's presence throughout the day in new and surprising ways. And that is good news. "You're on The List today," I tell people. I don't need to say 'today', at least not to myself, because The List is only for the current day. Every morning I write 12 names on a little yellow post-it and do my best to pray it 7 times during the day. The number 12 represents corporate completeness, reminding me that these individuals are part of the human family. The number 7 represents individual completeness, something I strive toward for myself and others. Jesus had twelve apostles. The psalmist tells us, seven times a day do I praise you…(119:164) . The List stays in the Angel Room, begging to be noticed whenever I come into the room. My daughter, Emily Aldinger, designs and creates exquisite cards for all occasions. I am sharing this not just because I love her (which or course I do) but to help you reach out to those you love. She can customize cards for you-- • Christmas • Easter • Pentacost • Celebrations, condolences... etsy.com/shop/aldingerstudio I believe that regardless of our particular circumstances, especially when they are challenging, we can be hopeful, we can shine light. We can’t do this alone through our own willingness and determination, but we can when we let go of thinking (the mind at work) we are in control and instead open up to the possibility of the spirit (the heart at work). Because I believe that God loves everyone, I know that everyone is given grace. I am grateful for the grace that has lead me on my faith journey, guiding me to live more from the heart than from the head. I have not desire to evangelize, but I hope that others can discover the grace that is present that gives them hope. A New Year's idea these days is to pick a word that represents something you want to work toward during the year. I've never been one to take on a New Year's resolution, but choosing a special word for the year appeals to me. I considered hope, but then realized that hope is hardwired in me. I am a hopeful person--except when I am not. So, I have chosen light for my word. Jesus tells us: You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), which is true for you, and true for me. We all have light. But how do we as individuals control that light? Do we usually keep it on ? Do we let it fade away? Do we extinguish it from time to time? Most of the time, I'd say that I shine a good amount of light out there. But what about the light that is in here, in me? For sure, it isn't very bright when I judge others-- the light dims on them, it dims on me. It is love that keeps all our lights bright. |
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