Enough


The opposite of scarcity is not abundance. It is enough. Katie+ preached about enough on Sunday, and enough has been my prayer word here at Our Lady of Grace. 


One of the things I’ve learned in the twelve years that I’ve been praying with this Benedictine community is about true hospitality. When i am here with the sisters, My spiritual practice is to receive whatever I’m given as a gift, and to know that it will be enough. 

Today we worked hard visioning how to grow and fund Women Touched by Grace, a time apart for women pastors where they live in Benedictine Community, and through a rhythm of prayer, rest, study, and play are refreshed in order to transform the churches they lead. I am passionate about supporting women clergy in their ministries and so this has been good work. 

Tonight after Eucharist, Evening Praise, and supper with the sisters, I took a walk to the newly created peace garden. The sisters, with generous help from the community, are returning three acres of the monastery grounds back to the prairie. They’ve planted native plants, and welcome the insects, birds, and animals that are thriving in what is their natural habitat.  

One of the sisters joined me in my walk around the peace garden and told me stories about the variety of plants that are beginning to return home. 

One plant was called, I believe, a cup plant, because the leaves form a kind of cup that catches water that can supply drink for birds and insects. Enough. 

I sat and prayed for the people I carry in my heart. A bench. A breeze. Beauty. Stillness. Enough. 

Amidst home and work, prayer and beauty. Enough. 


Back Home at the Monastery

After a full morning at St. Mary’s, I caught an afternoon flight to Indiana and then traveled onto Our Lady Of Grace Monastery. I’m here for a two day conference with five other Women Touched by Grace, two Benedictine sisters, and a facilitator to vision how we can fund future Women Touched by Grace retreats. 

There have been three WTBG retreats so far, underwritten by the Lilly Foundation, but now we have to find fresh opportunities for stewardship in order that other women clergy can have this time apart in Benedictine Community. 
Meanwhile, tonight, before the work begins, weary from work and travel, I feel home. 
I’ve walked the labyrinth, and now it’s time to rest.  

Stopping to watch what Jesus does

In the mountains of northern Georgia, I stop. So I can watch what Jesus does. 

The phrase “watch what Jesus does” is from a Richard Rohr quote that I read yesterday morning from a daily reflection I read on my mobile device called inward Outward. This little devotional comes by email and is one of the two that are part of my morning quiet. I also read a thought for the day from the Iona Community and the Forward Day by Day which has a convenient link to the Daily Office. 
Because I can read these holy words on my phone or tablet, this morning practice can travel with me wherever I go. 
Today it is a screened porch on. a green mountain ridge. 

Yesterday it was a table in a cafe in Atlanta. 
The day before that it was waiting for the plane in Houston. 
Having filled my heart, spirit and soul with words by people holier and wiser than me, I pray that I can more naturally make part of the the rhythm of the day to be Jesus for others and to see Jesus in others.  I’m watching. 

Watch what Jesus does

Up early before the worst heat hits to walk to breakfast at Cafe Jonah. 

Plotting the way on our iPhones, my friend and I realized the cafe was a five minute drive but only a fifteen minute walk.  Why do I automatically drive without thinking about walking as an option?  Jesus was quite a walker, after all. 
Twists and turns and three thousand steps and we were there. 

My prayer during this vacation has been to do as Jesus does. I’m not pleased with how often I can get irritated by others. I’ve been in a lot of crowds and lines–at the game, waiting for and riding on Marta, at the movie, and the like. My quotidian–self without a collar (and sometimes with) can be so cranky. 
My prayer has been to be patient and kind and delight in the people God puts in my path. Sometime I say yes. Sometimes I have to say forgive me. 
Walking back to the hotel, a man pushing a baby buggy with his life possessions responded to my greeting with, “Beautiful smile.”  Oh yes. Thanks, God. 
Too many steps to walk to the mountains, we’re on our way by car for more beauty. Everyday.