ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 21, 2023
I am not usually turning to Goldie Hawn for spiritual insight, but in preparing for my sermon on Sunday, I came across a quote from her. She said, “Mindfulness can help people of any age. That’s because we become what we think.” If our mind is telling us we cannot do something, we can feel pretty certain it won’t happen… whatever it is. Now, I’m not going to suggest, as some often say, that if we think it, we can do it. At no point in the future will I be a starting running back for the University of Nebraska, even though I dreamed it and thought about it every single day as a kid. But mindfulness, or what I will call “curiosity of self,” can often make us aware of the clutter, obstacles, or even unhelpful stories that are limiting our capacity. Psalm 62 says,
Only God can save me,
and I calmly wait for him.
God alone is the mighty rock
that keeps me safe
and the fortress
where I am secure…
Only God gives inward peace,
and I depend on him.
I believe God, through prayer, meditation, mindfulness, curiosity, questioning, discernment, communal conversations, and other spiritual practices, can help us look more objectively within ourselves. This helps clear the path by which our thoughts can begin to take shape and can begin to be embodied in our living.
I calmly and quietly wait for you, Merciful God, for I believe you can assist me as I explore a part of myself not previously explored. It is so easy to look at what is in front of me and ignore what is within me. Be my gracious guide as I explore and learn, and along the way, come to acknowledge a few things I need to leave behind—things that are currently hindering a faithful and joyful future. Amen.
