I am reading a book by Ester De Waal called Lost in Wonder and she feels it is essential for each of us to take times apart to live a fuller life. She suggests a space to appreciate and be attentive to the world around us but especially to the presence of the Lord. Sometimes we are on overload as our lives are too busy but there are also those who have too little to do and whose lives feel empty and lonely. Both miss living a life to the full and need to stop and take time apart to become aware of the pattern of our lives and to discover more about God and learn how to use the gifts we have been given. We need time to be renewed and DeWaal is saying we need refreshment and come with open hands, open mind and an openness to mystery, for we are made up of body, mind and spirit.
Al and I have been to the Trappist monastery of Gethsemani in Kentucky many times and visited Thomas Merton’s grave. We have read his books and he often said while teaching that God is looking for the whole self, the fullness of all our senses, not the cutting short of self. We probably all need to be more balanced, more open and life-filled and to live alive with all our senses. God is always speaking to us and we need to be alert and responsive to His voice. We are told to not harden our hearts but be open to Him and all that He puts before us each day. (Heb. 3:7-9 and Prov 28:14)
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