Once again Jon, thank you. I’m just coming through a second bout of covid…. coinciding with my birthday. I generally go away a for a silent retreat for my birthday which leads to a spiritual high and a great start to another trip around the sun. This year I didn’t, and the combination led to a definite flatness of spirit. But I am learning the felt reality that God doesn’t actually withdraw when I am flat, but “leans towards me with favour” ( my favourite translation of ‘charis’) even still…. I think this is somewhat the same as this steady quiet non anxious walk Evelyn is talking about, no? Surely Jesus had chill moments too, especially in those first 30 years of ignonimity as he learned how to express the fruit of the Spirit out of a human body among fallen humans, instead of out of a spiritual body among the Trinity! There must have been some ups and downs in that journey I think! Love the freedom to read a silly book at bedtime (my go to is PG Wodehouse!) This was so refreshing. Thank you! Blessings (charis!) to you
Thanks for sharing your experience Lynnette, especially during what must be a challenging time with a second bout of COVID and a disrupted birthday retreat. Your ability to recognize grace in the midst of it all inspires. And your favorite translation of 'charis' as "leans towards me with favor" resonates. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of God's unwavering presence, even in times when we feel spiritually flat. And yes, I think this aligns well with Evelyn Underhill's message about a "steady, quiet, non-anxious walk" with God. Thanks for your reflections. They always add to the conversation! Wishing you a speedy recovery and many more moments filled with 'charis' and PG Wodehouse!
Once again Jon, thank you. I’m just coming through a second bout of covid…. coinciding with my birthday. I generally go away a for a silent retreat for my birthday which leads to a spiritual high and a great start to another trip around the sun. This year I didn’t, and the combination led to a definite flatness of spirit. But I am learning the felt reality that God doesn’t actually withdraw when I am flat, but “leans towards me with favour” ( my favourite translation of ‘charis’) even still…. I think this is somewhat the same as this steady quiet non anxious walk Evelyn is talking about, no? Surely Jesus had chill moments too, especially in those first 30 years of ignonimity as he learned how to express the fruit of the Spirit out of a human body among fallen humans, instead of out of a spiritual body among the Trinity! There must have been some ups and downs in that journey I think! Love the freedom to read a silly book at bedtime (my go to is PG Wodehouse!) This was so refreshing. Thank you! Blessings (charis!) to you
Thanks for sharing your experience Lynnette, especially during what must be a challenging time with a second bout of COVID and a disrupted birthday retreat. Your ability to recognize grace in the midst of it all inspires. And your favorite translation of 'charis' as "leans towards me with favor" resonates. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of God's unwavering presence, even in times when we feel spiritually flat. And yes, I think this aligns well with Evelyn Underhill's message about a "steady, quiet, non-anxious walk" with God. Thanks for your reflections. They always add to the conversation! Wishing you a speedy recovery and many more moments filled with 'charis' and PG Wodehouse!