God be with you - and *is* with you, Sally. As you know! Through the tedium as well as the trials. It's in those gulfs that we grow ultimately into sweeter intimacy. Thank you for sharing where you are - that is a blessing to all of us pilgrims, as sooner or later we enter the valley of despondency or numbness or whatever the form is. As if our eyes and ears are covered, we learn the shape and feel of this place - once we recognize that it is there. And then we have the gift of hunting our way into a new kind of sensory awareness of faith. The mystery is the journey. When it is right (or write :) ), let us where you are on your pilgrimage, and your form with Wildroot Parables. Blessings, Pilgrim!
Sally, I've missed your voice and I rejoice that you took the time to listen to God's leading--a pause makes so much sense. I'm doing the same myself and it feels right. May the Holy Spirit pour out His presence as you listen.
This is relatable. I didn’t really observe Advent or decorate either. Burn out is real! It was all feeling like too much work. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel joy knowing Emmanuel - God with us was what we were celebrating. It was just that I needed to simply exist in that truth without all the added pressure. I love this encouragement about back to the basics and the simply joys that bring us closer to God. These are nourishing to our souls and nervous systems.
Thank you so much for this honest piece! I better get that book in acedia 😇. I felt at the same place this Christmas season and still powered through leading a retreat. It did not feel quite right. As we do have these seasons of numbness and we need to tend to them in order to birth new creativity again. Blessings in your pausing.
I relate to this so much! I have been feeling this way for a couple of months also. Stopped praying the office, have been needing to drag myself to church on Sundays, and also just avoiding people, not cooking much, which is a thing that I know is important for me.
Prayers for you, and for what its worth, know that you're not alone.
Very wise introspection and observation ... I have no doubt there is a new level of rich and meaningful faith ahead, even if it does seem to be around the curve. God bless you friend.
Praying for you, dear one - and I'm equally grateful for your prayers, as always. I'm so glad that you're allowing yourself to be a creature, not a machine!
As you shared about your widening numbness through Advent, please know (as I'm sure you already do) how resonant that is with me. I've been in those seasons, where the signals that usually flush me with curiosity and joy simply *don't*...and I'm sure I'll be there again. There's a purpose in even these dry times.
Hi Sally, I completely understand where you're at since I've been in/out of that stage for years. The best I can figure after prayer is I've been "in the church" for so long that growth requires a deeper connection and moving more from milk to solid food as the apostle says. Reading our Bible, prayer, meditation, fellowship, all important, but service to others and our demonstration of Jesus's love toward them is where it should all lead. That's outward focused and I'm admittedly bad at it. But I know in my heart that's what makes Christ's birth, death and resurrection so important, especially during Christmas and Easter. Praying for a renewal of your spirit and opportunities to grow, whatever that may mean for you.
Thank you, Sally, for sharing this little bit of your current journey. It has kindled more awareness in my own dispirited life over the last year or so. So please know that even in sharing the grey world of acedia--you made some sparks. Blessings of rest and beauty surround you.
Looks like I found your writings at a point of decision and hiatus for you, a much-needed rest to sort your head and heart and see what transpires. Though I don't know you personally, I'm excited for you! It's hard work, all this inner stuff, but it is the stuff of wisdom and legends and unbelievable growth. So, blessings and prayers for your journey! Looking forward to seeing you back on here, relating more of your story. <3
God be with you - and *is* with you, Sally. As you know! Through the tedium as well as the trials. It's in those gulfs that we grow ultimately into sweeter intimacy. Thank you for sharing where you are - that is a blessing to all of us pilgrims, as sooner or later we enter the valley of despondency or numbness or whatever the form is. As if our eyes and ears are covered, we learn the shape and feel of this place - once we recognize that it is there. And then we have the gift of hunting our way into a new kind of sensory awareness of faith. The mystery is the journey. When it is right (or write :) ), let us where you are on your pilgrimage, and your form with Wildroot Parables. Blessings, Pilgrim!
The doldrums can remind us that we need a little wind to move.
Sally, I've missed your voice and I rejoice that you took the time to listen to God's leading--a pause makes so much sense. I'm doing the same myself and it feels right. May the Holy Spirit pour out His presence as you listen.
Selah, and blessing, S. E.
This is relatable. I didn’t really observe Advent or decorate either. Burn out is real! It was all feeling like too much work. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel joy knowing Emmanuel - God with us was what we were celebrating. It was just that I needed to simply exist in that truth without all the added pressure. I love this encouragement about back to the basics and the simply joys that bring us closer to God. These are nourishing to our souls and nervous systems.
Thank you so much for this honest piece! I better get that book in acedia 😇. I felt at the same place this Christmas season and still powered through leading a retreat. It did not feel quite right. As we do have these seasons of numbness and we need to tend to them in order to birth new creativity again. Blessings in your pausing.
I relate to this so much! I have been feeling this way for a couple of months also. Stopped praying the office, have been needing to drag myself to church on Sundays, and also just avoiding people, not cooking much, which is a thing that I know is important for me.
Prayers for you, and for what its worth, know that you're not alone.
Very wise introspection and observation ... I have no doubt there is a new level of rich and meaningful faith ahead, even if it does seem to be around the curve. God bless you friend.
Praying for you, dear one - and I'm equally grateful for your prayers, as always. I'm so glad that you're allowing yourself to be a creature, not a machine!
As you shared about your widening numbness through Advent, please know (as I'm sure you already do) how resonant that is with me. I've been in those seasons, where the signals that usually flush me with curiosity and joy simply *don't*...and I'm sure I'll be there again. There's a purpose in even these dry times.
So much love to you!
It's such an encouragement to know Jesus holds us safe in the palm of his hand. 😊 🙏
Numbness can be harder to heal than the pain. ❤️🩹 Sending up a prayer for you. 🕯️
Hi Sally, I completely understand where you're at since I've been in/out of that stage for years. The best I can figure after prayer is I've been "in the church" for so long that growth requires a deeper connection and moving more from milk to solid food as the apostle says. Reading our Bible, prayer, meditation, fellowship, all important, but service to others and our demonstration of Jesus's love toward them is where it should all lead. That's outward focused and I'm admittedly bad at it. But I know in my heart that's what makes Christ's birth, death and resurrection so important, especially during Christmas and Easter. Praying for a renewal of your spirit and opportunities to grow, whatever that may mean for you.
Thank you, Sally, for sharing this little bit of your current journey. It has kindled more awareness in my own dispirited life over the last year or so. So please know that even in sharing the grey world of acedia--you made some sparks. Blessings of rest and beauty surround you.
Looks like I found your writings at a point of decision and hiatus for you, a much-needed rest to sort your head and heart and see what transpires. Though I don't know you personally, I'm excited for you! It's hard work, all this inner stuff, but it is the stuff of wisdom and legends and unbelievable growth. So, blessings and prayers for your journey! Looking forward to seeing you back on here, relating more of your story. <3
Prayers are certainly on their way - for healing and renewal.