AMAZING GROUP, GREAT CONVERSATION

Dear Friends in Christ -
I spent yesterday (Wed.) evening with a most amazing group of people: over 50 Confirmands, sponsors and adults from St. Paul's.

For three consecutive weeks (last week, this week, next week), we're talking about things that we can do as Christians to get closer to God. Traditionally, these good spiritual habits have been called "spiritual disciplines," a label which makes them sound really boring, like homework one would want to avoid! What these good spiritual habits really are is LIFELINES that God throws out to us as we bob along in the stormy seas of life.

The habit we talked about last night was SOLITUDE - getting quiet and still to make space to listen to God.

I was really saddened (though not surprised!) to hear from the Confirmands that it's their perception that their parents basically NEVER get any solitude, any quiet time. Sadder still is that I bet their perception is pretty accurate.

I came away from the discussion feeling challenged to new adventures, to:
1. Say no a little more often, so that I'm getting more solitude.
2. Model for my kids what it looks like to "be still," so they know how to do it.
I'm NOT talking here about adding these things to my list of "TO DO"s, I'm just going to open myself to the ideas and listen for God's voice prompting me about when and how to follow through.

The Confirmands and adults at last night's session were brave: they told the truth. Our lives don't have much stillness in them. Do you believe that God can help you/me/us out with that?

Faithfully yours,
Janet+