We are approaching the time of Thanksgiving and Christmas…a time saturated with traditions. What is the difference between a tradition and a habit? How can you tell if you are in the groove and not in a rut? Do we do things because that is the way we have always done them.... or have we always done them that way because they have deep and abiding significance? One definition: a tradition is a practice that is richly meaningful because it is closely tied to a story that tells an important truth about who we are.
A new tradition at Way of Grace is the Tuesday and Thursday morning centering prayer. For about 30 minutes (or whatever time you can make) we sit quietly with music in the background and candlelight in front of us. The challenge is to let ourselves go and let God’s spirit freely flow within us. You know, it is hard work to make your mouth and your mind shut up so you can listen to God.
Why do such a tradition? Because it is so easy for each of us to forget the most important commandment that Jesus taught us.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul and strength.”
The discipline of quiet prayer is very spiritual and creates a time when God is our complete center. It is easier to think about God or to use our muscles to serve our neighbor, but to let our deep soul connect is challenging.
The month of November offers a reminder of the power that gratitude can play in our lives. Be thankful to God with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. Connect with God.
December offers a reminder that there is hope in the giving… God’s giving of Jesus to show a new way of living. Praise God for this incredible gift with all your heart and minds and soul and strength. Connect with God.
May your traditions, old and new, connect you with God and enrich your life about the truth of who and whose you are.
See you in church.
