Discernment

We are enjoying a beautiful week. It was an enjoyable day Monday when we attended our 40th seminary graduation reunion. Hard to believe it has been that many years. There was not a great attendance but we enjoyed visiting with those that were there, some of whom we have not seen for many years. The afternoon speaker was Dr. Lauren Winner who spoke on "Confessions of a Bookworm" which was quite good. The presentation was in the recently restored Mulder Chapel which looked marvelous. She said people like to read one life stage beyond where they are at. I was surprised to hear her say that one of the series of books which had a huge influence on her spiritual formation was the Mitford series. I've read those books, enjoyed them also, recommend them but never connected them to my spiritual formation as she did. She also mentioned 'dislocated exegesis' which in her understanding means that where we read the Bible or any other book changes how we can see or understand a passage. I like that idea.

Discernment for the Christian community begins with the individual Christian. Do I want to know God's will more than anything else? This question is the entry way into discernment...I must spend enough in prayer and faithful listening to the voice of God to be brought  to that moment of trust and surrender when I can give up my preconceived ideas and be open to God's idea...My first concern is always God and the fidelity of our relationship, and then the result of my discernment efforts will come quite naturally. We know that God is completely faithful, and we must be alert, prayerful, open and ready to respond in obedience if we are to be led toward greater faithfulness on our part. (from A Guide To Prayer for all who seek God)

Praying that your soul work is going well, that all the fruit of Holy Spirit is blossoming within you enriching all around you.
And remember; "Do what God says and say what God does!"