Make a Difference
Centering—a prayer from the hollowness of my soul. This is a different kind of prayer, it is a surrender of self. A giving of time that is quiet and dedicated to God in the middle of my everything. It is hard.
Centering—my time to commune with God in a way that does not come naturally. An experience that asks me to give of myself because God loves me. An experience in an awkward silence.
Centering—surrender of my mind and spirit to find that clarifying moment in God’s presence. I must relax, be still, and silent. I close my eyes. I consider the blessings and wonders of God’s love, read a Psalm that speaks to me in the moment. I must memorize a word or phrase to repeat when I am distracted.
I stay in quiet communion with God. Twenty minutes. It is an eternity. And when my frail human mind wanders, I return to my special word, phrase.
In the garden
There are many herb and flowering plants in the garden here—each can be distinguished one from another.
The distinction between each herb makes a certain kind of difference in color, height, leaf size, and so on. These distinctions, though, are on a continuum ranging from unimportant to important like fragrance, taste, annual or perennial. Just like the distinctions in my life. A single one may make little or no difference. What matters is what makes a difference!
What difference can I make?
I can write. I am a writer!
Who am I to make a difference?
I declare, who I am is a struggling Christian, searching for a “prayer room”. Having time and skill to write a story that engages and entices readers—women, to explore the depths, meaning and sacrifice of praying.
Action—
Lead women to richer prayer experiences.
Action—
Build communities of women neither restricted by buildings, organizations, nor churches.
“…that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ….” Colossians 2:2 (NIV)
What a Generous God!
Like summertime rain renews the garden…
So too, distinctions emerge and make a difference.
A BOOK FOR A TABLE
A story about overcoming the invitation, and sometimes condemnation of preachers to shrivel in shame and hide from praying.
A Retreat of the MASTERY FOUNDATION—Making a Difference
at the
HOLY CROSS MONASTERY
An Anglican Benedictine Community of Men Established 1902
“As a community of prayer and worship, our service to the world includes the ministry of hospitality.”
1615 Route 9W (or Broadway), West Park, New York
Glimpse the Hudson River
Credits:
Created with images by silverstrike24 - "coffee coffee table couch" Photography by Yvonne Lovell