Journeying Together

So much has happened over the past few months since I last posted, not the least of which was our move and resettling in NC! As the dust settles and my kids start school, I find myself with a little bit more time on my hands to write, create and reflect. It is a sweet, sweet thing.

This past weekend was my next-to-last spiritual direction training cohort sessions with Sustainable Faith. It’s hard to believe our two year program is coming to an end. This has been a game-changer on so many levels for me.

For most of our two-day online training sessions I have tried to literally go away and find a place to rest and re-set. As a mom of young kids this has been instrumental for my spiritual and emotional health. (Major thanks to my husband for supporting me in this!) This weekend was no exception.

I spent Friday at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, which was absolutely beautiful and busting at the seams with soul hospitality. Everything from the food, to the wooded paths, Stations of the Cross and the Labyrinth fed my parched soul in a meaningful way.

Since they didn’t have space for me to spend the night, I opted to stay in this glorious Thoreau-inspired cabin just a short distance away.

What a delight! Elizabeth was truly gifted in hospitality and though I didn’t get to meet her parents, it was evident right from the beginning that this amazing family is a blessing to all who cross their path.

I was deeply touched by their generosity and welcoming home, with an entryway that is framed by the saying “give your life away”.

One of the things I’ve noticed is that when I take the time to slow down and create space, a great deal of creativity starts emerging.

As I sat on the cabin porch Saturday morning and noticed a spider’s web glistening in the morning sunlight, a song rose to the surface. If I ever get around to recording it, I’ll share it with you all. In the meantime, words will have to suffice:

Draw Me Deeper Still

Verse 1: 

There are some things you can only see  when the light falls a certain way

There are some things you can only feel when you stop long enough to play 

There are some things you can only hear as a whisper in the dead of night

There are some things you can only know when you walk by faith and not by sight

Chorus:

I want to know you [so much] better than I do right now

So I’m getting to know me

every single part

welcome at this table

where I am found

Verse 2:

There are some times you can only trust the ground on which you stand

There are some places you can only go walking hand in hand

There are some joys you can only live in the fullness of true love

The sun will rise and she can see it now watching from above

It’s the light by which we see…everything

Chorus:

I want to know you [so much] better than I do right now

So I’m getting to know me

every single part

welcome at this table

where I am found

Bridge:

Now I see in part; One day I will see in full

Now I see a glimpse, drawing me deeper still…

Influenced by: 

• 1 Cor 13:12 – For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
• The death of a family friend whose faith was an inspiration to many.
• This quote from Thomas Merton – “The secret of my identity is hidden in the love and mercy of God. But whatever is in God is really identical with Him [sic], for His infinite simplicity admits no division and no distinction. Therefore I cannot hope to find myself anywhere except in Him. Ultimately the only way that I can be myself is to become identified with Him in whom is hidden the reason and fulfillment of my existence. Therefore there is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him. Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation (New Directions Paperbook: 1972), 35-36.