Tag Archives: contemplation

Enjoy

As I contemplated moving from ashes to hope during this yearly transition between winter and spring, and giving to instead of giving up for Lent, I noticed this sign during a recent beach visit, and it struck me with its mixed message.  Do not take your dog to the beach.  Do not sleep on theContinueContinue reading “Enjoy”

Communal Light

An old, old story goes like this:  Once upon a time, a young king desired to build the biggest, most magnificent, cathedral in all of Europe.  He spared no cost in workmanship and in construction, and people came from far and near to watch the progress.  Gold, marble, frescoes, mosaics, silver, the finest woods—all ofContinueContinue reading “Communal Light”

Winter Lament

Faith traditions across the United States, perhaps across the world, are offering a special service this time of year as the longest night, December 21, approaches.  These services are often called “The Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas,” and their intention is to recognize, not shy away from or deny, the pain, grief, and loneliness thatContinueContinue reading “Winter Lament”

What does “lectio divina” mean?

Traveling the ancient paths of the dark seasons in search of the light often requires depending on ancient practices for our tools and compasses.  One such tool is called “lectio divina,” which means “sacred reading.”  Instead of reading a piece of text for information, lectio divina invites us to read the text for transformation, whichContinueContinue reading “What does “lectio divina” mean?”

Light in a Season of Darkness

In my last post, I mentioned crossroads and ancient paths, and how Advent, or the winter months, invite us to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going.  Though winter invites us into fallow time, how we approach that time is part of our journey.  This dark seasonContinueContinue reading “Light in a Season of Darkness”