Journal of Sacred Work

Caregivers have superpowers! Radical Loving Care illuminates the divine truth that caregiving is not just a job. It is Sacred Work.

Recent Posts

About

Former President & CEO of multiple hospital systems and founding president & CEO of 20-hospital OhioHealth, best selling author, film artist, ordained minister, composer, published poet, syndicated T.V. host, trial attorney, federal prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge. Erie is internationally known as the founder of the Radical Loving Care(R)movement. He also heads Erie Chapman Foundation, Dane Dakota Productions, LLC, and Chapman Health International, Inc.

Recent Posts

About

Former President & CEO of multiple hospital systems and founding president & CEO of 20-hospital OhioHealth, best selling author, film artist, ordained minister, composer, published poet, syndicated T.V. host, trial attorney, federal prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge. Erie is internationally known as the founder of the Radical Loving Care(R)movement. He also heads Erie Chapman Foundation, Dane Dakota Productions, LLC, and Chapman Health International, Inc.

Days 63-64 Let Every Ordinary

Note:shared by Liz Sorensen Wessel: The Lenten season is observed by many Christians as a time of fasting and abstinence.  I used to give  something up for Lent as a symbol of my willingness to atone. However, in this latter part of life my focus has shifted. Now, it is more about paying attention, of experiencing metanoia;  a change of heart.

Lenten Retreat

An ordinary day, nothing special, 
no big events planned, nothing on the calendar, 
not going anywhere, doing anything.

Resist the temptation to think of it as dull.
Renounce the desire to be entertained.
This is a day you are needed:

to be attentive, to listen deeply,
 to give God some loving company,
to extend loving mercy to the world.

Enter the monastery of your life.
Let the whole day be prayer and praise,
a meditation on the presence of God.

Let every ordinary thing you do,
the meeting, lunch, and the dishes,
be an act of devotion, of becoming light.

Let this day be holy, a gift from God,
 and be deeply present to every bit.
Thank God that this grace is the usual thing.

By -Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes, unfoldinglight.net

Photo by ~liz

Posted in

17 responses to “Days 63-64 Let Every Ordinary”

  1. Anne Milligan Avatar
    Anne Milligan

    This is a perfectly wonderful gift for Lent, Liz. I truly “get it” . Thank you!!!

    Like

    Reply
  2. Erie Chapman Avatar
    Erie Chapman

    Thank you for this soft invitation to give ourselves permission to “be,” Liz. As we know, it is a surprisingly hard invitation to accept in the face of a world that is forever pushing us to “do.” Your suggestions of peace and your quietly powerful photograph show us the way. Thank you.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Liz, your photo speaks to me of Lent (as well as your words) – to be able to see more clearly, to live in hope, knowing that the leaves will appear and colour will abound. Thank you.

    Like

    Reply
  4. Julie Laverdiere Avatar
    Julie Laverdiere

    Lovely reminder, thank you!

    Like

    Reply
  5. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    “Enter the monastery of your life” is an invitation to all of us to slow down; stop; look; and listen to life’s “voice”, spoken in each of so many moments today and for all of our tomorrows to come.
    This morning, singular moments worthy of mention, were the timid sunshine this late winter day; the savory nature of my breakfast eggs; my brief but sincere prayer for a loved one suffering from alcoholism; and then a soothing yoga stretching session. Ah, the particularity of our lives!
    These fleeting moments, though, are whisked away as a spiritual ether, that gathers substance and sustenance, over time, and becomes transformed into our collective eternity: one for all, and all becomes one!

    Like

    Reply
  6. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    Lent can be a time to be nearer the Desert Fathers and Mothers. To sacrifice, to cleanse, remove the external distractions and look inward to ones spirit. A time to reconnect with God.
    A monk was relating a story to a class on scriptures one someone asked about the distractions of life and not being focused on God all the time, like they wanted to. The monk equated the situation to driving on the interstate and one exits at the wrong offramp. After awhile you discover the problem, turn around and begin the journey anew. Lent can be the time to find the path back. Journey towards your spirit. And reconnect with Love…

    Like

    Reply
  7. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    Thanks for the hand, Liz! Another pleasing moment, hah!

    Like

    Reply
  8. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Yes, this is so true, Erie. I find that as I feel the pressures or work as well as at home to get things done, my temptation is to peddle faster and faster. Yet, overwork and lack without balanced rest I can become less effective. Yesterday was a day of pausing and reflection with other companions. I found it so life giving and renewing.

    Like

    Reply
  9. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Lent is a time of shedding, a death of sorts, the letting go of the clutter in our lives, the old patterned ways of being, the barriers that separate us, to a resurrection, to the hope of new life and joyous new beginnings.
    Blessings of hope and gratitude, Maureen.

    Like

    Reply
  10. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    …and the light of a lovely friend, thank you, Julie!

    Like

    Reply
  11. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    These are beautiful images and thoughts that you share with us, Terry. “Our collective eternity of one for all and all becomes one” reflects a deep spiritual truth. What comes to mind is the Holy trinity, “As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.” Amen

    Like

    Reply
  12. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    This is a great story and analogy, Jolyon. I was talking with someone yesterday and I shared how when I was younger I had more of a all or nothing mentality. If I set a goal and then stumbled, I might think, it’s no use and give up even trying. Overtime, I’ve learned the value of perseverance, of that continual inching forward. Today, I was also reflecting on the reality that we are all broken (in some way) and I find comfort in this acknowledgment that I do not need to pretend to be something I am not in trying to please others. Rather, in my brokenness and in the eyes of God, I can be real, be me, be loved and loving.

    Like

    Reply
  13. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Thanks for your gifting me in return, dear Anne!

    Like

    Reply
  14. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    This is beautiful, Liz!
    “Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere” -Chris Tomlin

    Like

    Reply
  15. sbeng Avatar
    sbeng

    Thank you Liz for this prayer during Lent. A time to relax and reflect on the Goodness of God in spite of the situations we go through in life “the ups and the downs” He is faithful and merciful and we cherish is His loving care for us. “In Him we move and have our being.”

    Like

    Reply
  16. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    I just discovered your comment, Lynn. Thank you for your presence here and for sharing this lovely quote. I find it very meaningful.

    Like

    Reply
  17. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Thank you for your grace-filled & faithfulness of heart, Suan

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Julie Laverdiere Cancel reply