Life Is Good

September 18, 2006

Except when you have typed a succinct yet eloquent blog only to press one button, mistakenly, and lose it all - arhhh!! So, since I'm trying to simplify my life I will not rehash all that I wrote. Instead I will say this. We feel like we are sitting on the edge of our seats and full of anticipation for all the good stuff about to happen this season. God's been working in our hearts and we are very excited about where we are going. Some great books that have been inspiring us to lead a more examined life: Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard The Holy Way by Paula Huston

These books have inspired us and are a source of ideas for a couple new adventures in our life:

• A Family Retreat. Earlier this month we decided to take a family retreat. It is coming up shortly and the purpose is different from just a vacation or camping trip. We want to be intentional about where we are going as family, what our values are, what we feel God's purpose is for us. So we are setting aside time and leaving our regular routine to dream, plan, pray, reflect & have fun together. That's coming up soon and both Damien and I are super pumped about this time together with our kids.
• A study/small group to discuss simplicity. For some time now a desire has been brewing in our hearts and minds to meet with other Christians and get serious about pursuing the spiritual disciplines (ouch I'm almost scared to say it!), starting with simplicity. We are starting a study through our church the beginning of October and we are going to focus on Christmas since we feel this provides a focal point for what is a big and somewhat ambigious topic. I'm reading The Holy Way in preparation for this and also Hundred Dollar Holiday by Bill McKibben. We still need to read The Celebration of Discipline but that probably won't happen this season. Leading this study (more like exploring the topic with others - we don't have this all figured out) is another thing we are very excited about

All this reading about simplicity, discipline, vision etc.. has stirred in me a desire to seek more solitude in my daily life. I've always loved being home, not always on the run. But now I'm craving more than that. I want more quiet time for reflection and prayer. Time to contemplate. I'm coming to realize that my desire for simplicity and serenity isn't just about a clutter free home and more time & resources to spend on meaningful endeavors. My desire for simplicity is actually a desire for a deeper spiritual connection, a desire for the Divine, a desire for God. "Be still and know that I am God". Feel like I could sit here right now and dwell on that thought for hours.... Unfortunately I still haven't developed the discipline of getting up early to seek that time out. Humm, lots of room for growth!