Last week I wrote that I’m going to try suggesting a creative spiritual experiment or resource on Fridays. If you’re like me it’s easy to read stuff like this and say, “Oh, great idea.” but not do anything about it. My hope is that a bunch of us in this blogommunity (yes, I made up that word) might say, “YES! I’m in!” and give these things a shot over the weekend. I asked Katy and Maggie for an idea of what to call this and Maggie suggested “Spirit Stretch Fridays”. But if any of you have other ideas share!! Put ’em in the comments!
Here in Minnesota we have had the most delightfully bizarre week of summer weather right smack dab in October when we’re usually worried about when the first snowfall is going to come. I’ve written before (rather obnoxiously) about how I’m sure Jesus is just like me in my preference for being outdoors. http://laurac-payingattention.blogspot.com/2011/08/jesus-is-just-like-me.html
But in some ways I really do think getting outside and paying attention can be a spiritual discipline for a bunch of reasons:
– If spiritual exercises are about stretching spiritual muscles, this one stretches our humility, praise, and perspective muscles because we stop doing work and focus on something other than ourselves.
– It right-sizes our problems. It’s a reminder that regardless of anything else, God is in control – the seasons will change, the leaves will fall, the snow will blow, everything will die, and then, miraculously, (especially in Minnesota it seems!) He’ll do it all over again! Spring WILL arrive again and the earth will be reborn.
– It right-sizes US. It’s a reminder of the power and majesty of God. How big He is and how small I am. The world will not stop spinning if I take time out to rest.
– It prompts us to do what we were made to do! “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6
I love this quote:
Every human being is “formed to be a spectator of the created world and given eyes that he might be led to its Author by contemplating so beautiful a representation.” John Calvin
So maybe get outside and walk or ride or play this weekend! Here’s a little of what I’ve been seeing…
Psalm 73:18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
If you want to see some REALLY spectacular pictures, check out Anne Voskamp’s :
Laura, new at blogging, with somewhat the same apprehensions, I find yours encouraging. The challenges become greater and more interesting as we get older. I look forward to future posts. Fran
Thanks, Fran! I look forward to checking out your blog!
Hi Laura — I’m ALL in!!!! And I will savor the other beauties of fall: the SMELL of the falling leaves; the SOUND of crisp leaves crunching under foot; the TOUCH of the last warm breezes that blow against your face; the WARMTH of the sun as it hits your shoulders; the TEXTURE of the dirt on your hands and under your fingernails as you dig up the last of the summer plants; the first CHILL of the early mornings. . . oh so many wonders! The Lord God made them all. I LOVE AUTUMN IN MINNESOTA!!!
I LOVE it that you are so present, aware and grateful!!! Thank you for sharing those great images!!!