What an odd question! Thinking about things I love, places I love, what environment speaks to me? The easy answer is a local coffee shop or book store.
But, when I think about this season of Lent and sharpening my skills to continue the goals I have set for myself this year....I think the place I would most like to be a regular is in my devotional space. To continue to frequently carve out that sacred time of quiet and contemplation.
I went on a retreat of sorts back in January. Each day I met with a spiritual director and we engaged in several different spiritual practices and talked through different devotional styles and the importance of committing to that. She had a basket of things that she brought along with her to create an intentional space for her sacred time. When I came home I could hardly wait to do this for myself. I got my favorite storage container, a mint green wooden box and filled it with all the material things that remind me of God's work, or my own faith story. Some of the things I placed inside are as follows:
-A pottery dish made by my beautiful, talented friend, Sonya Forte. In this dish are prayer beads, various crosses, a shell from the beach, and a stone heart my husband gave me when we were dating. A reminder of the support of loved ones, and tangible items to pray with.
-A stained glass heart fashioned by my wonderfully generous and loving friend, Georgia Chapman. It was made to hang on a window, but instead I place it in a frame stand. A symbol of the strength of spiritual friendships.
-A metal cross fashioned by an artist whose name I do not know, that was given to me by the treasurer of the first church I served. A reminder of my call and the centrality of the cross.
- A pottery dish with the word "joy" stamped on the bottom; a gift from longtime friend and colleague, Mary MacMichael. On this dish sits the candle I light to begin my devotions.
-A hand crafted card from my friend, Judi Barnes, who mailed this to me in a time I needed it most. It reads, "God's promises are new every morning."
- A stone from the creek bed at Montreat, given to me by my pastor and friend, Joseph Gaston on the day of installation in the first church I served. A reminder of the holy ground that I love in that place, and the way the Spirit touches me there.
-A hand towel of light linen fabric sent to me by my friends the Skinners, the host family I lived with during my time studying abroad in London. It has all the iconic scenes one might think of when considering London, from double-decker buses to Big Ben. It reminds me of friendships and adventure.
-A leather bound Bible, bought for me by my spouse with my name embossed on the cover when I was in seminary.
-A journal, for which I can write prayers and reflections. As a writer, this is an important part of my reflection process.
-A small bottle of Frankincense oil. I put a few drops on my hands sometimes as a way to focus my mind. Small things, such as creating this tangible space that is "other", lighting a candle, listening to a song or singing bowl, and having a special scent--engages all of the senses in devotion. The spiritual director I met with used this scent one day and I was so taken with its citrus-like smell. It lingered on my hands all day and now when I smell it, it is a great reminder of how that time with her impacted me, as well as the other things I engaged in that day of the retreat.
I want to continue to make this a central part of my life. I want this to be the place I am a regular because it grounds me. It reminds me of who and whose I am. It gives me peace, strength, and vitality. It opens me up to intentionally listen for God's movement in my life. It allows me to spend some time contemplating what I am feeling and thinking about in my life. Honestly, I have found it hard to have a contemplative practice such as this as a pastor. It can be hard to do these things for oneself when studying, teaching, and preaching the Word is your job. But, I am finding various ways to do so, and it has been life-giving to me.
Are you considered "a regular" somewhere? Is there a special place you turn to for comfort or inspiration?
No comments:
Post a Comment