REMEMBERING :: A Spiritual Practice
Over and over, throughout the Bible, we are called to remember. Every Jewish and Christian festival is anchored in the practice of remembering. It seems even our ancient siblings got sucked into the vortex of managing everyday life and needed a reason to stop and reflect.
I know I need this. Sunday worship serves this purpose for me. Being together with my community is like taking a big, deep breath of clean air. My nervous system is reset, the brain fog dissipates somewhat, and I remember that I am a human being (not a human doing) who is loved by God.
I encourage you to take a little time - even just 5-10 minutes, or more if you have it - to consider where God was for you in the last few months. Mentally walk through some of the big moments and a few of the mundane. When did you feel loved? When did you love someone really well? Where did you experience grace? When did you extend it?
One of the ways I experienced God this year was in a conversation with a young woman who lives in another state. She read about my community, Highlands Church, in a book called “PURE.” She reached out to me, looking for someone to talk to about how to reconstruct a version of Christianity, because there isn’t a community like ours near her. We had such an engaging conversation about her questions - and I felt so inspired by her tenacity to hold on to God, as she begged God to hold onto her. As I listened, I had this image come to mind of God holding her so lovingly in God’s hands, cupped close to God’s heart.
The more we practice remembering, the easier it becomes to notice God right in the midst of what’s happening to us. The more we recognize God, the most fresh air floods our lungs. I'm guessing you, like me, are in constant need of oxygen. I hope this practice - which you can do daily - helps you as much as it does me.