Friday, April 12, 2013

dear larry,

What is it like to peel away from the world for a week to listen to your profound teachings? What is it like to speak with new friends in inviting ways through conversation?  What is it like to huddle with rich believers and consider another approach to listening well?

I might like to know, because I did none of that this week.

Instead,

  • I begin to realize that all my words are pregnant with something. I want them to have power not neediness.
  • I'm thinking that my preparation is really a mask for control.
  • I believe I aim too low in conversation because it's a natural appeal to the culture I live in.
  • I'm praying for a supernatural appeal to rise up in me that aims high.
  • I find myself defining Spiritual Formation as finding and releasing the power of God within me and identifying the obstacles to it.
  • I begin to consider that confusion is an opportunity for me to my quiet soul.
  • I find myself wanting to get lost in relationship with others instead of getting lost in their particular circumstances.
  • I'm seeing how much I live for relief.
  • I am starting to see God's sovereignty as His stubbornness for me.
  • Trying harder to understand a technique becomes a way of holding back the God in me.
  • I more clearly see that my exercises have much to do with confession and repentance.
  • I remember how much I long to worship and know God in Trinity.
  • I'm beginning to see myself as a prisoner of Hope.

Thank you, my friend.
Thank you very much.