This week I am very aware that the seasons are changing. The shortening days and lengthening nights become more evident each day and I am watching my tomatoes vigilantly encouraging them to ripen before the warm weather gives way to autumn coolness and vibrant colours. This morning my attention was caught by Mary de Jong’s comment: “We’re not meant to carry the relentless energy of summer into this time of transition. What would it look like for you to slow down and move in harmony with the season’s natural turn toward darkness and rest?” This is such a great question to contemplate at this time of the year for those of us in the Northern hemisphere.
In the Southern hemisphere where the days are lengthening and the touch of spring is in the air, many I am sure feel as they are waking up and ready to get moving. Perhaps you feel your energy rising as the days lengthen and you wake each day ready to take on the world. I am very much looking forward to my glimpse of spring with wattle and waratahs and grevillia when we head to Australia at the end of October. Wherever you are, it is important to take this transition season seriously. Set aside time to reflect on the few months and the lead up towards Christmas which will be upon us before we know. Schedule in time for refreshment and renewal. Step into the new season with intention and purpose. Open yourself to its wisdom and be receptive to learn from it.
My own time continues to be filled with book writing, and though it makes it very busy, it is also relaxing and enjoyable. I love dipping back into the Celtic books that have helped guide me over the last 30 years. It was a great delight to be able to share the first part of my new book Celtic Advent: Following An Unfamiliar Path Through Advent with many of you. I am looking forward to your feedback on this segment and on the coming segments that I will post each week.
Not surprisingly though, with so much on my plate and still grieving my brother’s death, I found over the weekend that my mind went blank. Rather than cursing this state of mind however I decided it was a good learning opportunity as I shared in my Monday Meditation – When My Mind Goes Blank The research I did for this article actually jump started my brain and revitalized my creativity and resulted in a very productive week.
My reading this week reminded me to keep my eyes and ears open to the presence of God in all things and make sure I respond to the promptings of what I see and hear and do. Last week, as I mentioned in my post Spiritual Practice – Praying the Examen, I was prompted by Lilly Lewin’s from 10 days ago to return to this vital practice which I have not used for several years. I loved researching the different forms it can take and broad variety of situations in which we can use it – from a daily practice to close the day, to an ecological examen, or one for refugees and against racism. I highly recommend adding this to your repertoire of spiritual practices.
One of the delights of my life continues to be the interviews I conduct for The Liturgical Rebels podcast. This week’s episode – Brian Edgar and the God Who Plays – was a fun one to record. We explored such interesting subjects as a playful attitude towards God, the integration of work and play, worship as play and even suffering as a form of play through which we grow and develop. This is a fascinating interview that revolves around his book The God Who Plays: A Playful Approach to Theology and Spirituality and you don’t want to miss it.
Lilly Lewin’s Freerange Friday – Beauty and Harmony and Bread this week gave me much to think about too. I love her use of The First Nations translation of the New Testament especially the verse she focuses on which suggests the bread of life is full of beauty and harmony. “Why is it that we settle for old, stale bread? Why is it that we settle for bread that is fake, bleached and sits on a shelf in a plastic wrapper, rather than the LIVING BREAD that comes down from heaven bringing beauty and harmony?” Such great thoughts to reflect on this week.
August seems to back to school month for many in the northern hemisphere and I thought that in preparation some of you might like to check out the posts from Godspacelight in previous years:
Back to School Prayers – A Resource List – Updated for 2022
Praying with School Supplies by Lilly Lewin
Blessing of the Backpacks by Emily Huff
Back to School Prayers by Lilly Lewin
Back to School – 10 Tips and Prayers for Teachers and Students
Back to School – 10 Tips to Help You Prepare Spiritually
Back to School – Adding and Subtracting by Lilly Lewin
One important thing to take note of. The date for Introduction to Celtic Spirituality webinar has been changed to September 14th. What is it about Celtic Spirituality that is so attractive to me and to so many others today? Why is there a resurgence of interest in this stream of Christian faith that thrived in Britain in the 4th to 8th centuries? In this webinar we will explore the lives of St Patrick, Columba, Brigid, Hilda and other Celtic Christians who still inspire and motivate us. Join us as we are guided by these ancient witnesses to bring the sacred in to wherever you need it.
Not surprisingly, my prayer this week is another Celtic prayer, this one I wrote several years ago inspired by one of our visits to Iona.
I arise today
present with the Holy One,
In the embrace of love,
In the hope of renewal,
In the joy of belonging
to the great I AM.
I arise today
in the life of the Creator,
In the image of the Eternal One,
Planter of gardens, bearer of burdens,
breath of the world.
I arise today,
a child of the faithful One,
Lover of souls, reviver of Spirits,
Blesser of all that is good
and true and praiseworthy.
I live today,
In the name of the caring One,
Compassion in my heart,
Gratitude in my thoughts,
Generosity in my deeds,
Justice as my passion.
I choose to live today
In the light of Christ.
Many blessings
Christine Sine
Photo by Darwis Alwan on pexels
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