We Did It!
Listening to God Through Contemplative Practices
Reflection By Robbin Brent
Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.
- Frederick Buechner
I was talking with a dear friend recently, whining really, about my overwhelming to-do list, personal and professional, and some frustrating relationship challenges. After a thoughtful pause, he asked, “How are you kind to yourself?”
As I was considering the question, I realized that I don’t often take time to celebrate completions, wins, or milestones. I found myself asking, “What if, rather than seeing work extending outward toward a horizon without end, I chose instead to savor the journey, the process rather than the product, the millimeters rather than the miles?” I made a commitment to pause and celebrate after I completed something before moving on to the next item on my list. As I began this practice, I noticed a few subtle but significant shifts. I was able to better discern and appreciate the ways God’s presence was animating every area of my life, and I began to notice more ease and hopefulness in my day, less tension and worry.
When I shared this with another friend and asked her how she was kind to herself, she came up with the brilliant idea to start a “We did it!” folder. She writes her completions on a piece of paper that she keeps in the folder to help her remember and celebrate all that she has accomplished. And now I have one too. The “We” in the title is a perpetual reminder that we are never alone. We’re not alone in our struggles, and we’re not alone in our celebrations.
Making It Personal: What do you think about creating a “We Did It!” folder for the significant milestones in your life? Even if you don’t want to create a folder, can you think of any recent milestones, completions (projects, goals, dreams), or blessings that you want to celebrate?
Follow along with us this Lent season with our daily devotional and engage in discussion in our closed facebook group moderated by Robbin Brent, Jan Kwiatowski, and Scott Stoner.
In this group, participants will have a chance to share their responses to the prompts in the daily readings, and also the chance to receive additional material for reflection.