Happy Sunday,
Some thoughts on my spirituality came together this week - or rose to the surface of my concentration significantly throughout the week, for a number of reasons.
My morning and evening routines have been increasingly important times for me to address my spirit - especially in starting the day and getting my mind right before work, and for winding down and reflecting at the end of the day.
Also, on Wednesday, my fiancé and I met with our pastor for our pre-marital counseling. The topic this week was “Your Spiritual Life.”
While we were talking through the responses to our questions on our spiritual life - and speaking about the different routines we have - the importance that I place on my spirituality came to me in this way:
In school, we are taught to place importance on being well-rounded students, and for me, addressing my spirit first thing in the mornings helps me feel like a more well-rounded person.
Our pastor, Sean remarked that it is an interesting phenomenon - that the closer we get to God, the more human we become. This all rang true to me.
I certainly am not one to proselytize for a certain religion or go telling anyone that they should adhere to religions, but in my experience, I think it is clear to see that there is spiritual lack in our culture - as well as a lack of emphasis spirituality as an option, as a helpful healing tool, a way of being, and a part of our lifestyles.
More and more recently, when I feel like I am juggling, I am turning to the holy spirit for support. I am turning to prayer, mindful meditation - I find that these practices add tremendous value to my life and love to my heart.
If this Sunday post can serve as a reminder for you, dear reader, to turn inward, to turn to spirit, reflection, loving awareness - whatever form that spiritual address takes for you - I hope you find that it is - as it is in my mind, evidently beneficial to our individual and shared humanity.
A renewed daily devotional routine
Sean also recommended a simple daily devotional routine - and he suggested reading a Proverb a day, which I agree is a great place to begin. I really enjoy starting my mornings this way. If you’d like to join me in this practice, please feel free to comment and share your insights with this community.
Here’s my favorite section so far this week - from Proverbs 3: Wisdom Bestows Well-Being - also quite fitting for this post.
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the Lord will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Santa Marie delle Grazie is a historic and renowned church in Milan, Italy, which houses DaVinci’s Last Supper. We had the privilege of entering the church, but we were not there at the right time to see the painting, so I hope to go again. The church was stunning. I loved the courtyard as well.
Merci,
Thank you for reading this Sunday post. I hope you had a restful one.
sincèrement,
I absolutely love this and will join you in reading Proverbs. It has always been such a great reset in my life. Thank you Soph!