Bread for the Journey

I used to see them twinkling in the twilight all summer long, but this year I’ve seen just a few. I loved chasing them as a child; the only bug I would ever think to hold in my hands. Why are they so tempting to catch, place in a jar, and gaze as their glowing body shines off and on, off and on. Each flashes its light in a different “language” or pattern unique to its subspecies. Some in large groups even synchronize their flashes and blink in unison. Amazing.

My fancies are fireflies, — Specks of living light twinkling in the dark. ~ Rabindranath Tagore

This morning at yoga, our instructor reminded us to pause between poses and listen to our breath. She invited us to try more challenging poses, yet encouraged us to listen to our bodies so we wouldn’t cause injury. At the monastery, when we read the Psalms together, the monks pause at the end of each line. It takes patience to read in this way, but the slower pace allows the words to sink in more deeply. Today as I went on a walk, the word I carried with me was “pause.” Whenever my mind was distracted, I thought of this word. Reciting it silently helped me to focus on God, and I immediately felt stillness and quietude.

What would happen if I paused more frequently throughout the day? When I feel anger or impatience approaching, if I take a time of respite, could those negative feelings slowly dissipate? If I’m hurrying, could pausing help me to reset and question if this accelerated pace is necessary? When thinking tranquil thoughts, even while lifting weights at the gym, I feel as if my blood pressure drops, my heart beat relaxes, and every molecule in my body fills with peace. Our bodies are wise. Why has it taken me so long to listen to and trust my own body? While driving in traffic, exercising at the gym, or waiting in line; although active I can still be at peace in my heart. This is where God abides.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God…O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you. – Psalm 84:1-2;12

I had lunch yesterday with a friend I see often yet haven’t spoken with in awhile. Yes, we’ve talked, but only surface talk. In our time together, we shared deeper pieces of our lives. I came away feeling a sense of wholeness and joy. When I have the privilege of listening to others and being listened to without judgement, it is one of the greatest gifts ever.

Through faithful listening while sharing stories, inclining our ears to others, we become God’s advocates. This opens us to receive whisperings of the Spirit, which help to guide us along our path. Conversations with a trusted friend help us understand the direction of our life more than we can discern alone.

I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. – Psalm 116:1-2

I’m at mile 20 of blog posts now. My goal on 11/4/17 was to write daily as my evening prayer. At the time I didn’t know how long I would write. Eventually I set a goal of one year so I could attain the goal and help form a habit of evening prayer. After one year my evening prayer will carry on in a different form, and I’ll continue to write; not as a daily discipline, but as the Spirit moves me.

I have enjoyed sharing my story. Some days I don’t feel like writing, but I do it anyway because I know this kind of discipline builds endurance. It seems a bit like how a marathon runner might feel when training for and running the race. At times I’ve become dry and lack creative thoughts, but while “training,” I quench my thirst with living water. What am I training for? I am training to be God’s disciple, living and sharing God’s love in the world.

Each runner has a story. They might be running in memory of someone, or just to prove they can do it, but something keeps them going. I’ve heard that some runners write messages on their arms with a Sharpie; some including a reminder of their hoped-for end time. What sustains me? The memories and stories of what God has done in my life are written on my heart. That is a part of me that will never leave. You, my cloud of witnesses, also sustain me by cheering and urging me on in ways you don’t even know. And for that I am grateful.

…let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Monastery geese…

finding peace and rest for their

contemplative souls.

VBS week ended with a joyful celebration complete with food truck fellowship after singing in worship. The children learned motions to help them remember words to the songs. The movements sure helped me remember the words, too! In fact, with the tunes stuck in my head all week, it was difficult to sing the words without their choreography.

The children also learned how to prepare for prayer. It was amazing how quiet the hall of 100 became when we were challenged to be still and listen to the silence.

Projects for various mission agencies were also put into motion by delivering bread to the food bank, making sensory mats for children, and filling dental kits. I can talk and meet about ministry, but until I embody by doing, I haven’t allowed the words to really sink in and express themselves.

Besides doing, I also believe in the act of being. Being is the contemplative side of doing, and an important balance to life. It prepares us to “do.” How have I embodied my faith today by doing and being?

With Jesus in the boat, we can smile in the storm, smile in the storm, smile in the storm. With Jesus in the boat, we can smile in the storm, as we go sailing home… (Ask me and I’ll teach you the motions!)

One of my favorite days is arriving: World Communion Sunday! We always celebrate this special day on the first Sunday of October, when people come from east and west, north and south, to gather for the joyful feast of the people of God.

Although months away, preparations have already begun. We are all from different backgrounds, yet one in Christ, and we can learn from each other by sharing our heritage through something as simple as bread. Members will bake or contribute bread or artifacts from their heritage to share on October 7th, and various countries are represented each year.

What excites me most is baking with children, sharing stories with others, learning about where they are from, and asking if they have family bread memories. If they have never baked bread, but would like to learn, we find time to prepare a loaf from their heritage to serve on World Communion Sunday.

Each year, I add new countries to my bread repertoire. It surprises me how the smallest addition of unusual ingredients contributes to unique nuances in flavor. A favorite from last year was the Koulouri-Cypriot bread from Cyprus. One of the ingredients, masticha, is the resin of an evergreen tree from the Greek island, Chios. By learning about bread from various regions, I’ve learned how important it is to many communities. It really is their source of life, just as God is our source of life.

As preparations continue for World Communion, I’m sure I will periodically write about what’s going into the oven. In the meantime, I hope you will consider baking bread with me!

For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world…”Sir, give us this bread always.” – John 6:33-34

Our son has been traveling in Europe. Although his knowledge of foreign languages is limited, he has found creative ways to communicate without words. It has been awhile since he was a baby, but I remember how various sounds of his cry conveyed different things. Words are not always needed to communicate and understand; but listening is. Those who cannot physically hear may actually be the best listeners, for they have learned to listen with their hearts.

Listen with the ear of your heart. ~ Saint Benedict

Give ear to my words, O LORD; give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. – Psalm 5:1-2

Today I uncovered a jar of bacon jam received as a gift. Not quite sure how best to enjoy it, I knew, when I glanced at the ripe garden tomatoes on the counter. I made chicken salad to serve over the tomatoes and added a few dollops of bacon jam umami to the creamy dressing. Umami, a fifth basic taste discovered in Japan, is described as delicious, pleasant and savory. My husband couldn’t quite place the special, hidden taste created by the savory jam, but loved it!

I can’t always describe how or when the Holy Spirit is moving in my life, but I know something special, like a hidden taste, is present…God’s umami.

I dropped a bunch of matches in my office on the way to light a candle. As I picked them up, one by one, I thought of a gift received at a dear friend’s 80th birthday celebration. Each person was given a small glass jar of matches with the message, “Light up your lives.” What I found out later is that her daughter put all the matches inside the containers, but they were too long. To allow them to fit, she first had to cut the ends off of the matches. So as I picked up each match, I remembered the celebration and how much joy filled the room. Much laughter and many stories were shared as we feasted around tables with friends and family. The celebrated woman has touched and continues to touch so many lives, she certainly lights up the world with her vitality and life. May I also strive to pass the spark and light up the world with God’s love.