I don’t want to! With arms crossed and a pouting face, the willful child refuses to participate. It is frustrating beyond words. It requires intervention, which might resolve the issue but comes at a cost for both child and parent. From an early age, we learn how to be resistant to the will of others. Call it disobedience or expressing egotistical goals. Spin it however you like. Resistance to the will of others is a life skill that we all learn and practice to some degree. In some, resistance has risen to the level of an art form.
The way in which we relate to others has a direct impact on our relationship with God. When we are open and generous with others, this translates into a similar interaction with our Maker. And when we are petulant in our behavior with spouse, children, family, and neighbors, it has a negative effect on our spiritual health.
When we act out as an insolent child, we are less likely to be in the place where we are spiritually open to God’s presence, will, and invitation. We could benefit from a “time-out” to get ourselves in the right frame of being. Absorbed in our stubborn, arrogant, and self-centered selves, we will miss the opportunity to be transformed. To use the threshold metaphor, we will miss even seeing the portal and chance for transformation.
Breathe. Let it go. Take a deep breath. Set aside the pout. Uncross the arms. Allow the resistance to fade. Time to open our heart so that we might see a threshold to a different reality emerge.
Silent Prayer:
Find a comfortable place to sit. Set your phone or watch for four 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 – FOUR minutes
Scripture:
Proverbs 1: 8-9
Hear, my child, your father’s instruction, and do not reject your mother’s teaching; for they are a fair garland for your head, and pendants for your neck.
Thank you for reading the fourth 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.