Has This Happened To You?
Laura Longville
So many of us are hopeful that 2021 will be a refreshing and different experience from 2020. Nationally we are hearing pioneering promises regarding the containment of COVID, new leadership, and goals from our government and personally, many of us made new year intentions. This is inspiring!
In last month’s blog, I talked about the need to be intentional regarding how we start the year. Nothing magical happens, except lasting change is driven by desires, hope, dreams, commitment, and an action plan.
Has This Happened To You?
How are you doing? If you’re like most humans, we start off clear, energetic, and focused. Then the slump happens. We don’t feel as excited about our goals or we tried to make changes and it’s just not happening. Maybe we don’t have the right support to plug away at our commitments? Or could it be that our dreams are not that well-formed?
We’re all being formed by something; whether we’re aware of it or not. The food we eat and how we take care of our body shapes us physically. What we watch on TV, read and listen to impact our thoughts and feelings.
Most of us are slightly aware of how our bodies and minds grow, develop and shape who we are. But are you aware of your spiritual formation? What has formed your spiritual beliefs? Are you intentional about what goes into forming your spiritual life?
Two insightful, humble men describe the benefits of developing our spiritual lives on purpose.
Spiritual formation is for everyone. Just as there is an 'outer you' that is being formed and shaped all the time, like it or not, by accident or on purpose, so there is an 'inner you.' You have a spirit. And it's constantly being shaped and tugged at: by what you hear and watch and say and read and think and experience. — John Ortberg
Spiritual formation prepares us for a life in which we move away from our fears, compulsions, resentments, and sorrows, to serve with joy and courage in the world, even when this leads us to places we would rather not go.
Spiritual formation helps us to see the face of God in the midst of a hardened world and in our own heart. This freedom helps us to use our skills and our very lives to make that face visible to all who live in bondage and fear. As Jesus told his disciples: “So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).” —Henri J.M. Nouwen
Purposeful and Intentional Spiritual Formation
If you’re interested in purposeful and intentional spiritual growth and movement towards your desires and commitments, the School of Contemplative Life could help you actually reach them.
God invites us into a deep, genuine, personal, full and sustainable life with Him. You can experience a maturing depth in your walk with God.
The School of Contemplative Life (SCL) is a leisurely paced, yet substantial introduction to contemplative tradition and the practices that support it. It’s an easy and hospitable entry point that launches a powerful faith trajectory.
A new cohort is starting in March. This could be the perfect resource to help you shape and form your life to accomplish your dreams. Find out if this is your next right step by clicking on the link.