CHRISTMAS WONDERING - WANDERING INTO THE NEW YEAR

IMPLE LIVING WONDERING

I am deeply grateful for meaning in my home and work. Being aware of the meaning comes from paying attention to others and cultivating an awareness of the goodness of God's world. As well, the meaning comes from a constant conversation with God about my calling, not just the

"work" I do, but the work of my days, hours, minutes, moments; the work of my energies, thoughts, hopes, intentions; the work of my actions and words.

As we move into the Christmas season (the 12 days between Christmas morning and Epiphany), I want to encourage us all to take seriously the call of the Christmas story to give birth to the holy in our lives. As many of those around us are considering "New Year's Resolutions," why not put that energy into listening to what kind of divine work God has going on inside of you? What is it that God is working out in the world through your hopes, dreams, desires, passion? Frederick Buechner tells us that God's call is where our deepest desires and God's deep needs come together. Why not take these upcoming days of Christmas to listen to that call and wonder at what good God has in store for the world through you! It's really pretty simple! God's world needs your goodness.

Here are some thoughts on how you may begin to listen as p

ractice, into these days of Christmas and beyond:

•Lectio divina is one of the primary practices we have in Christian monastic tradition for listening for a word or phrase that shimmers or calls to our hearts. Lectio is traditionally applied to scripture, but can also be engaged to pray with life experience. http://www.upperroom.org/methodx/thelife/prayermethods/lectio.asp

•Spend some time with a soul friend, a spiritual director, or a wise elder. Let them know what you are considering and then take some time to ponder it together, allow your thoughts to wander and become prayer.
•Create a time of retreat for this holy time of year. A couple of hours is enough. Make space to sink into silence, journal, reflect on your experiences of the year past. Write about your dreams and deep desires for the year ahead. In the space of contemplation and stillness, notice if there is a word, image, or phrase which rises up.
•Go for a contemplative walk where you aren't trying to get anywhere. Your sole purpose is to be as present as possible to each footfall. Listen for how your inner life is calling you forward with each step. Be present to the gifts of creation around you (even if it is the city pigeons and trees planted down the sidewalk). Listen if they might have a word to offer to you.
•Listen to your d

reams in these coming days. As you go to sleep, lay a piece of paper and pen by your bed as a sign of your willingness to receive the wisdom that comes in dreams. Consider strong dream images as possible words calling to you. Pay attention to synchronicities through the day. Are there images or words which seem to repeat themselves? If so, take note.

You may also want to come to the WELCOMING PRAYER RETREAT that SCPC's Spiritual Formation Committee is offering on Saturday, January 8th from 9am-3pm. I'll be there, looking forward to the opportunity to hone in on a new prayer practice that I can utilize each day, welcoming an awareness of God in my work. I hope you'll consider joining me.

If you're reading this blog, it's probably because you are interested in being simpler in your living. The gifts of simplicity come from knowing who you are and how you want to live. It's not necessarily easier, in that it takes intention. But, it is more meaningful. May the blessings of intention fill your year with great meaning!
Peace of the One who has come - Emmanuel - God with us!
Diana