Being the Beloved:
stories of ongoing transformation in daily life
By Gwen Shipley
As the youngest of five, I have always felt entitled to the perpetual "fountain of youth"--even though the calendar turns every year. That illusion morphed into pixelated fragments in a single moment last year. “You have cataracts,” the doctor said. My brain exploded. I knew my prescription was out of date but, this is the language of old people I thought!
Medical treatment is not on my list of favorite things. Appointments on chilly days interrupt my schedule and disrupt my cozy comfort. Still, Change came and I have been required to adjust. It also changed me—at least temporarily. I found myself complaining, regretting my decision to have the surgery so soon.
Reflecting on my grumpy response, I remembered “The Welcoming Prayer.”
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today, because I know it is for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person, or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and God's action within. Amen.
I often return to that last line: I open to the love and presence of God and God's action within. It has been a helpful posture for me when called on to host the transformative presence of Change. A few more examples:
· Reticent retirement from public-facing ministry with 1) its inherent sense of meaning, (2) the temptations of affirmation, and (3) distance from treasured relationships has changed me. I am increasingly content as I “open to God’s action within.”
Several family members were necessarily absent from various holiday festivities this year. My Thanksgiving included Thanks-grieving. As Change arrives, I can find joy in what is being given now.
Time in the garden has changed me. My senses are heightened and wonder is awakened. I smile at spiders, talk to seedlings and am mindful of soil biology. I am kinder with insects. (Exclusions may apply…)
Most of us fear, or at least mildly resist, the coming of Change for it exacts a price. However, there is no transformation and no future without the presence of Change, and there is nothing to fear in Love. I pray you find it so…and may your cataracts be few.
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Maybe you will consider a few moments with these thoughts:
1. What would it look like to welcome Change as a companion and teacher?
2. What might God be inviting or giving as Change appears in my days?
3. How might I pass on the gift of welcoming Change to others?
Prayer:
As I set my intention to discern the Voice of Love in my living and in my being, may I trust that you, Loving God, are always and already at work in Change. Amen.
*The Welcoming Prayer by Mary Mrozowski, often attributed to and used by Fr. Thomas Keating
Gwen Shipley received her spiritual direction training from CFDM Northwest. She and her husband reside in Yakima, WA, with three dogs, eleven chickens, and family nearby. Surrounded by hop fields and orchards, she spends her time reading, creating, and growing things—especially herbs--on their 1.2 acre oasis. She watches more football than her husband. Go Hawks!
What books, media, activities are nurturing your heart, soul, mind, strength in this season as we are loving God and our neighbor as ourselves? Post in the comments below or hop on over to our Facebook page and share with one another.