How
is your Lent going so far? Have you been able to begin a new habit or
discipline making more room for God’s presence in your life? If not, today’s a
great day to start!
It
only takes a few minutes. Take a walk or find a quiet place and just be still
in God’s presence. Or go to a public place, a coffee bar or a sandwich shop and
just begin to notice the others around you. Ask God to show you someone who
needs your prayers today. I promise it won’t take long until someone or something
catches your eye and your prayers.
If you are struggling to find a discipline to
take on that seems to fit you and your gifts, email Laura or me. We’d be glad
to help with suggestions.
A
friend shared a discipline that he has been practicing for several years. I was
so moved that I asked if it would be okay for me to share it with you in today’s
devotion.
My
friend collects fountain pens. You know, pens that have an actual ink well or
pens that have to be dipped in ink to write. He started collecting because his
dad had always loved fountain pens and he inherited his dad’s pen collection a
couple of years ago.
Several
times a week he sets aside a few minutes just to sit and write with one of his
pens. No great plan of what to accomplish, just a few minutes of quiet and
paying special attention to the feel of the pen and the way it moves against
the paper. He says that fountain pens write differently than other pens. When
the ink hits the paper it flows. You don’t have to force it, just feel and guide
it.
He’s
been working to teach himself calligraphy. "There is something deeply satisfying
about watching as the letters take shape." Whenever he sees an example somewhere
of writing that appeals to him, he looks at it closely trying to memorize the
way the lines take shape. The next time he sits to write he works to recreate
those same lines and patterns. In the quietness of his writing, he finds a
connection to his father. He also finds a connection to God.
Spiritual
disciplines and holy habits don’t have to be difficult or extravagant. They just
need to be able to help us stop, take a deep breath and be connected with God
and each other.
May
you holy habits bring you closer to God this Lenten season!
~
Rich Greenway
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