The Pursuit

I heard and read encouraging words today, written in an era so far from mine, yet inspiring me to press in further with this awkward, unplanned, journey...

Julian of Norwich: (author of the earliest surviving book written in English by a woman...and probably not her actual name!!!)

A lady in the 14th century, who survived poverty, famine, sieges, conflicts, the black death plague, likely quarantine, and great losses during her lifetime. Yet she discovered simple, spacious peace in a small cell like room.

‘Lord, let not our souls be busy inns that have no room for thee or thine, But quiet homes of prayer and praise, where thou mayest find fit company, Where the needful cares of life are wisely ordered and put away,

And wide, sweet spaces kept for thee; where holy thoughts pass up and down,

And fervent longings watch and wait thy coming.’

Regardless of my own physical, mental and emotional tussles with our family shared 24-7 quarantine, there is something profound in this locked in season for each of us.

Secluded ears are tuning in to a sound that stretches beyond the fenceline.

Things we must listen to and address.

I believe it is possible to create 'wide sweet spaces' within.

Multiple open life-giving places where scattered energy draining concerns, worries and unknowns are reordered and relocated permanently.

Places that welcome the suffering of others and sooth the distress and despair.

This is where my greatest relearning is available if I will not relent in the face of discomfort and draw back to familiar ground.

Perhaps this is my greatest opportunity?

This road of ReVALUEation is leading to uncharted territory, yet the curiosity beckons me to not look back.

Unsure of its actual destination but lured by all I am gradually understanding. Allowing the process to dissolve all hesitancy.

Julian's writings in her book reveal fears, questions, a pursuit to trust, offering hope to the suffering in her city.

Her human struggles with doubt and faith.

I will keep moving forward regardless.

The reset button has already been pressed.

There is no going back.

The borders are merely perameters of perception!

There is more to discover!

" You will light my lamp.

The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness."

Psalm 18: 28-29