It’s Hard to Stay Grounded
When we’re moving through life at a breakneck speed, it can be hard to remember what it feels like to slow down and smell the flowers (Stop and Reflect). Nearly everyday, I walk past a beautiful front yard where the owners do a meticulous job of manicuring the lawn and tending to a wide variety of flowers. The smell can be intoxicating, and the beauty captivating… if I stop to enjoy it.
I’ve been guilty of purposefully marching past that yard in order to get to my destination. Mail needs to be checked, swings need to be pushed, slides need to be… slid down? I can’t stop for 30 seconds to literally stop and smell the flowers.
How often do I do that in my walk with God?
I’m so busy getting to the next task, doing the next good thing, striving for the next achievement that I miss the real beauty God has gifted me. His love and presence saturates every aspect of my life. That his joy is found in the little moments: a bite of food, a conversation with a friend, a walk through cool grass.
Weekly Practice: Prayer of Examen
As we talked about in the monthly missional reflection, Jesus rested constantly. Those times of rest were soaked in prayer and reflection. Before the feeding of the 5000, Jesus invited his disciples to leave behind the crowds and rest. Afterwards, Jesus sent his disciples onward while he withdrew to pray and reflect.
I need that same attitude, whether I am hungry and worn out, or something miraculous has happened–I need to root myself in the Most High.
One helpful tool to do this daily is the Prayer of Examen. St. Ignatius of Loyola taught this for followers to notice and invite God into their everyday lives. It has five practical phases:
- Become aware of God’s presence.
- Review the day with gratitude.
- Pay attention to your emotions.
- Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
- Look toward tomorrow.
If you prefer to be guided through this, the KC Underground has an excellent resource that explains it further (particularly step #3), and also has a guided listening exercise. Find that here.
I can’t wait to hear how God spoke to you through this week.