I Want to Love and Follow
Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 12:00AM A Note from Beth: Please take a few minutes take a few minutes to give me some feedback on The Uncluttered Heart. Click here to take the survey. Blessings and thanks, Beth
Prayer
Jesus, keep prodding me to follow you, and all else will fall into place. Amen.
Carry These Words in Your Heart Today
Jesus, you are the one I want to love and follow.
Today's Picture
This is the labyrinth at Mercy Center in Burlingame, California. It was in this place that I attended the Academy for Spiritual Formation. I regularly found myself at this labyrinth, walking, meditating, trying to hear what God was saying to me.
Question
How are you being called to follow? Share your thoughts on the question or on today's entry in the book.
Book of the Day
The Way of Transforming Discipleship
Trevor Hudson and Stephen D. Bryant
This book is part of the Companions in Christ series published by The Upper Room. Trevor Hudson has been in the Methodist ministry for over thirty years, spending most of this time in and around Johannesburg, South Africa. I've gotten to know him through his work with The Upper Room. Most recently, I had the honor of introducing Trevor to the strange American tradition of Halloween when he had dinner at my house this past October 31. Trevor is a powerful writer and a humble, authentic leader. More about the book.
Sing Your Prayer
Open My Heart - All four verses. Listen.
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Reader Comments (6)
Sometimes we make following Jesus so difficult with the rules and requirements of our various denominations. Our spiritual lives tend to be like a maze--we worry that we must make all of the correct decisions along the way to find the one "right" path. Thankfully following Jesus is more like the labyrinth than the maze. Although the labyrinth appears very complex, there is only one path to follow; no matter where you are the path toward the center is constant. Jesus will lead us through the many twists and turns toward becoming centered in Him. If we do deviate from the path, we are only on another part of the path that still leads to Him. Our task is to start the journey wanting to love and follow Him.
I encountered the layrinth first at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. I have found it a wonderful gift of time to be focused in Presence - different ways - but specially with a given situation or question the has arisen along the path of life.
Experiencing the "Prayer Path" labyrinth in Sunnyvale, California during Holy Week in 2002 was a turning point in my spiritual journey. It was definitely a call to follow I spent the next 6 months bonding with the labyrinth at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment in San Jose, CA. Now, 7 1/2 years later, I have a labyrinth in my own back yard. It's a daily reminder to follow God, be the best disciple I can be, and to pray. I'll be at Mercy Center in 9 days -- will be praying for all my friends on the journey of The Uncluttered Heart.
How am I being called to follow? Scripture calls me. Pastors call me through their sermons. But more than that, 'being called' is always a pressing on my heart, a joy, a hope, a literal 'being led' towards something, if I will only follow, one step at a time.
Some months ago, out of the blue, God pressed the words "coffee shop" on my mind and heart. I was really confused at first, but I finally decided that if God wanted me to work in a coffee shop, I would. Then I began to realize He was leading me toward a coffee shop ministry. This was quickly affirmed in a number of amazing ways. It is still in process. But I "know" this is a calling, and I know I am being called to follow. So, here we go!
I am being called to trust God, to trust the Lord, to trust each little step I take into this unknown. I am being called to open my mouth and speak the Truth. I am being called to be loving and kind, but to set firm boundaries with people such that God's purpose comes first in my life. I am being called to savor my relationship - my growing relationship - with Christ, to become very quiet so that I can hear my heart, His way in my heart, and then go in that way. I am being called to real prayer and meditation - not just a few minutes each day - and to study the Word, and to live out what i am learning. Some days this is a struggle; other days I simply ease into it. On the days that I struggle, it seems there is always a lesson for me to learn - and on the days that I walk with ease, it's usually because I am staying in the moment.
My husband I have recently been asked to join the Children's Ministry committee at our church - a pretty obvious calling for both of us to become more active in the lives of our youngest members! I work in public school so am always aware of my influence on children but this leadership role will take us to another level. We are anxious to begin our work....
I think I hear the Spirit reminding me that I only have to "do the next right thing" -- that is how I need to proceed in following the path.
Blessings,
Beth
beth@betharichardson.com