This is the third in a series about my attempts to find and live a Rule of Life. You can read the first post about my search here and the second one about simplicity here.
I long to live a just, faithful, generous, simple life in community.
What does a faithful life look like? There are two important prongs to this for me: faithfulness to God and faithfulness to who I in particular am made to be. That means this part of my Rule in particular will be specific to me. There are things that help me stay faithful that might sidetrack you. There are parts of a faithful life that might come easily for me and are harder for you.
I used to have the idea that there was one right way to live a faithful life, but St. Ignatius says in the Principle and Foundation: “Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening his life in me.” There are three things that help me stay on the path to a faithful life: the inputs I receive, my practices and a commitment to ongoing learning and unlearning.
Inputs
If you’ve read this newsletter for any length of time, you know I don’t stick to “Christian” books, television or movies. But I do listen to myself. There are times when I’ve started a book and found it too dark for the season of life I’m in. I might come back to that book when my own life isn’t as heavy, but there are also some books that just aren’t for me. Tending to my inputs keeps my mind on a steady track instead of inviting depression or anxiety to take root in me. To that end, I subscribe to some emails that offer consistent encouragement.
SSJE Daily Word: The Society of St. John the Evangelist sends out a daily email with a one word title and a few sentences of contemplation. I like the simplicity of the offering and I find I’m sometimes invited to copy a few sentences and sit with them for a longer period of time.
Enneathought: The Enneagram Institute sends out daily emails for a specific enneagram number (or two). I use this to understand myself better and to understand those I love. For various seasons, I’ve subscribed for my own number and the number of my husband or one of my daughters. This gives me insight into their particular strengths and weaknesses.
The Ruckus: Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ shares short emails and one minute videos weekly. These are often so good I share them with my family.
My Practices
There are things I practice that help me live a faithful life. I love the word practice because it implies I will never do these things perfectly - I’ll just keep practicing and hopefully drawing closer and closer to Jesus.
Worship: Weekly worship keeps me grounded in the immutability of God. Communal worship is a reminder that people all over the world are gathering to say the same words and pray the same prayers.
Midday Prayer: Every day at noon, an alarm goes off on my phone inviting me to pause for midday prayer. I use the one from Celtic Daily Prayer and it reminds me that the work I have to do is given to me by God.
Daily Prayer: My actual practices shift over time, but daily drinks of quiet time in prayer keep me like a well watered tree with roots stretching deeper and deeper.
Ongoing Learning and Unlearning
As I’ve shared recently, St. Paul is someone I’ve struggled to appreciate. His words have often been weaponized against me and women in general. While I let myself feel those feelings for year, I’ve recently felt invited to examine them more closely. What I’ve experienced is why I think learning and unlearning help me lead a faithful life. I found I didn’t really know Paul directly. So I’ve spent some time praying with scenes from his life. I read part of a novel about him. I’m listening to a book that uses Paul’s words to show that women have been in leadership in the Christian church since its inception.
Incorporating learning into living a faithful life acknowledges that there is much I do not know… and some of what I “know” is wrong. I want to always be willing to learn afresh what God has for me.
What are the things that help you live a faithful life? Have those things changed and evolved over time?
Book Corner:
What I’ve Been Reading Lately
via audiobook:
Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta
The subtitle of this book is “How women led, taught and ministered in the early church.” These are words I have needed to hear for years. They are healing, informative and reorienting. As I’ve listened, I’ve thought, “There is SO much I don’t know!” I’m happy to be learning now.
via library loan:
Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer
The writing, setting and plot in this one weren’t as strong as the first go round with Jane Wunderly, but a cozy mystery is about what I can handle right now.
via ebook:
Magical Midlife Invasion by KF Breene
This series is just perfect for me right now, so I’m sticking with it. I’m easily able to slip into Jessie’s world and I’m thankful for that.
As we move out of the stripped down days of Lent and into the celebration of Eastertide, what does a faithful life look like for you? Where is Jesus inviting you to go with him? What things help you remember who you are and who He is?
Love,
Shannon
Love this series, Shannon. It highlights so many parts of you and your faith that I know to be true. Your curiosity, you willingness to stay open and to keep learning, your commitment to prayer.
I'm so happy those candles are there!