In the threshold space between where we have been and where we have yet to be, it is critical to be open. Open to what our emotions, senses, heart, and brain might tell us. Open to differences. Open to possibilities both known and unimaginable. Open to change. Open to something new. Open to dying and rising to new life. And yet to be open, we need to set aside our carefully laid plans, calculations, desires, and passions. To truly be open requires an attitude of indifference.
Recently my Spiritual Director shared the strange concept of spiritual indifference with me. Indifference? Doesn’t indifference mean a lack of concern, interest, or sympathy? When we are indifferent towards something, doesn’t that me that we have judged that thing to be of little consequence or importance to us? So, how can indifference play a positive role in our spiritual lives? Has my Spiritual Director been living in the woods of Wisconsin for too long? What gives?
I have come to understand my director’s wisdom in this way. When we are spiritually indifferent, then we are in a place where we let go of our preconceived notions, calculations, and designs. It doesn’t matter which direction we go because we are open to the possibility of moving in a multiplicity of ways. We could go here, or we could go there. Instead of feigning to be open-minded to God and others and then doing what we intended to do in the first place, we are genuinely open to true discernment. Connected to this understanding of indifference is what some call ‘a beginner’s mind.’
Instead of showing a lack of concern, interest, or sympathy in a relationship with God and others, traveling through threshold moments with an attitude of indifference honors the input and contributions of others in a whole new dimension. We seek God’s direction to move forward in such a way that is in alignment with God’s purposes. We seek the input of others to move forward in such a way that we might be able to live out Christ’s command to love our neighbor. We will engage in thoughtful questioning and careful listening to discern the path ahead. We claim the values of love, forgiveness, compassion, and grace as we set aside predetermined destinations. In those moments, we open to possibilities as we have never opened before.
Silent Prayer:
Find a comfortable place to sit. Set your phone or watch for twelve minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. As thoughts come to your mind – push them aside. Now is not the time. Trust in God to hold your life without needing to control it with our thoughts or actions. At the end of your time – say a simple “thank you” or “Amen.” Tomorrow, we will build on this spiritual practice by adding more time. Consider the time spent in silent prayer as an Advent gift – an opportunity to enter into God’s shalom/peace.
Today’s Silent Prayer Goal – Twelve minutes
If the challenge of twelveminutes of silence seems to be just too much, an alternative might be to continue with seven or eight minutes of daily, prayerful silence for the remainder of this Advent season. The length of time spent in silent prayer is not as important as the practice itself so give yourself the permission to do it for as long as works for you.
Scripture:
Psalm 63: 1-8
O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Therefore I have gazed upon you in your holy place, that I might behold your power and your glory. For your steadfast love is better that life itself; my lips shall give you praise. So will I bless you as long as I live and lift up my hands in your name. My spirit is content, as with the richest of foods, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the night watches. For you have been my helper, and under the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. My whole being clings to you; your right hand holds me fast.
Thank you for reading the twelveth blog of this Advent series. If it was meaningful to you, please feel free to like it below or share it with your friends. You may also leave a comment. Blessings on the journey as we head through this season of Advent together. In Christ, Walt.