So often it seems like the very thing I need is what the group at Sellwood Faith Community also longs to engage. As we were brainstorming our theme for this month we talked about lots of options. One of our new ladies, Colleen, suggested that we talk about Halloween and holidays. Around the table this idea morphed into an examination of the rhythm of life. So this month we are looking at the seasons and days and patterns of our existence from a spiritual viewpoint. We’re starting with the notion of sabbath and branching in to the church calendar and holidays, including Halloween.
For me this comes at a much needed time. You see right now I feel inadequate about lots of things. Then Facebook so kindly reminded me that two years ago this week we celebrated the end of my dad’s chemo. So yes I’m grieving and the news of shootings and refugees and deep brokenness adds to my sense of being kind of lost.
However, I am, as they say in South Pacific, a cockeyed optimist which means that rather than sit in this place of woe and wallow I know what I need is a plan. This is actually the point of those rhythms of life we are studying this month. The days of our lives when structured in faith offer a plan, a framework to move us forward when we are stuck or lost. The rhythm of life also helps us learn who we are and helps us celebrate the goodness of life. We have Lent where we practice giving something up so that we understand suffering and are ready for it when it comes. We have Advent where we expect and wait for Christmas so we know anticipation and the discipline of waiting. We have days of rest so that we can do the work we are called to do renewed and whole. We have celebrations and reminders of who we are sprinkled throughout our time as people of faith.
I’m in a season of life where I know I need help with my life rhythm. I know that I could try to knock down some of the problems I am struggling with, but if I don’t get to the deeper undercurrents a new set of struggles will crop up in their places. So I’ve ordered a planner. Not just any planner, but a liturgical planner that focuses on the holy rhythms of life.
Check it out for yourself here:
I’m excited to share with you how it works and the learnings I find in returning to a holy rhythm.
-Eilidh
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