In the Past few weeks much has been happening. Let me give you a rundown:
1. I read
I absolutely enjoyed Lauren Winner’s take on some typical/ not so typical spiritual disciplines:
- sabbath
- fitting food
- mourning
- hospitality
- prayer
- body
- fasting
- aging
- candle-lighting
- weddings
- doorposts
Winner grew up as an Orthodox Jew and discusses in her book how some very key spiritual disciplines for Orthodox Jews can be applied to the Christian life for enrichment. Many of these disciplines I typically take part in on at least a weekly basis (others I had no previous experience with), but it was good to hear her perspective and how she is working through the transition from Judaism to Christianity.
I have already begun to do a little experimenting here and there to see if what she says can be helpful in my spiritual walk. The weekend before last, I convince a roommate of mine to join with me in having a Sabbath (in a much more traditional Jewish way…). I cannot say that it was perfectly executed, however it was quite a great first try…in my mind anyways. That Friday evening I prepared all the food for the next day (sadly I misjudged and did not get done before sundown…and no, it wasn’t kosher…still working on that…), after having cleaned for the previous two days. On Saturday, I woke up, read, got in the Word, had some breakfast, discussed readings with my roommate and just relaxed, taking time to enjoy the day that the Lord had prepared for us. However, by the afternoon, my roommate and I were getting a bit restless and decided to watch a movie: Luther (I had planned to not use any kind of technology…but that’s easier said then done). By the time that was done, we decided to take a walk to occupy our time and to be out in the beautiful day and experience the Lord. We walk for about two hours by the time it was all said and done (from our house to Starbucks (so much for not spending any money) to Mardell (were I purchased a Book of Common Prayers…I had just read about praying that morning) and back to our house.
When the sun went down, I couldn’t wait to get out of the house and go see some friends (the Canadians were visiting…how could I resist?).
Clearly we don’t have this perfected, but I truly think that the idea of it is beautiful.
I agree that it was a good day though not a true Sabbath in the pure sense of the word…they don’t call it a discipline for nothing. Sad that we have to be disciplined to relax…seems a contradiction. We should do it again sometime before you flee the country
Pinnately says : I absolutely agree with this !
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation
Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Pilose!