As I reflect on my recent trip to Paris, I think a core reason it was so wonderful was that I allowed myself space. I had no more than 1-2 (if any) commitments per day, which left 12+ hours free to wander, contemplate, and explore. And in that space, God moved in profound ways.
Sitting on a bench watching the leaves change, I thought of a friend going through a hard time, and I sent her a voice memo. I finished my Thomas Merton book (truly a life changer), and I took time to go back and sit with a passage that had struck me and that deserved deeper reflection. I wandered down random streets and into every church I passed (there were many). And I talked with God, a lot.
I talked with Him about so many silly things:
“Look at that couple playing ping pong! Have they been together decades? Did they just meet?”
“Wow, the kids with the sailboats speak all sorts of different languages, but look at how well they play together!”
“I really should have taken learning French more seriously.”
And, at least once per day,
“God, what are you inviting me to at this moment?”
It’s a big question, but one many prophets and theologians argue is most important. To ask God each day, in each moment, what He has for us, and then to do that thing — that is the meaning of our lives. But in our nonstop lives, I think many of us find it challenging not only to pause to ask that question, but also to respond.
One way I try to stay open is by asking God first thing in the morning, “What are you inviting me to today?” And then I do my best to listen. Sometimes there’s an immediate invitation. Sometimes, it hits me later in the day. But one thing is consistent: God always answers, and if I am running from one thing to the next, with no silence or space for contemplation, I can miss His response.
God is always speaking, guiding, leading, and loving. And I don’t want to miss what He’s trying to say.
How can you make more space for silence this week? My commitment is to keep my walks to/from work open (no airpods / walking and texting), and to set a 10 minute timer each night before bed for uninterrupted contemplation, to reflect on my day and to let God speak.
Would love to hear your ideas in replies or comments below!
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
Tomorrow is St. Jude Day!
I love St. Jude and go to him frequently with my “impossible causes.” He shows up. I encourage you to toss up a prayer to him today (or any day) when you need the big guns!
I saw the Elizabeth Holmes documentary this weekend and… I still don’t know what to think. It was wild and unexpected and a real mind twist. I want to see it again because I wonder if I’d have a different experience the second time around! I highly recommend seeing it in theaters; a full audience was a joy to experience it with.
This remains one of my favorite nail colors, ever. Perfect for the fall!
Marine Corps Marathon
It was marathon weekend, and it is always so much fun to go out and cheer for this race! Awe-inspiring.
Little “t” truths
This was such a great reflection on how to approach moments/periods of sadness, and I have thought about one quote over and over since listening to this podcast: The small truths can pierce the “big sad.” Basically, when we’re feeling down or discouraged, sometimes it’s not often the huge truth of “God loves me, therefore it’s all good!” that helps, but rather the smaller truth of “I am so much more than this small moment / failure / discouragement.” I also loved the celebration of how true friends remind us who we are, and that is one of the most healing gifts!!
Prayer intentions
For many special intentions! St. Jude, pray for us!