Love - It Changes Everything

One of the instructors at the yoga studio I go to tells us every class that we are "entities of love" (or today the phrase was "points of love"). He challenges us to "give that love away" because it "will change the world." Despite being a Christian I forget about love. I get so caught up in my own anxiety or get in my own head. I forget that I am worthy of love and belonging. I forget that God loves each of us unconditionally. We all need to be reminded of this daily if not multiple times a day!

Today I was struck by the phrase "give that love away." It can seem like a huge task to show love to each person we come into contact with every day. How do I show love to that customer who I know nothing about? How do I show love to the child who has been overly crabby all day? How do I show love to the co-worker who just treated me with disrespect? How do I show love to my fellow church member who is acting out in a meeting? How do I show love to my best friend in her greatest time of need?

The more I thought about doing this the more I realized it doesn't have to be overwhelming. You don't need to say just the right thing or do something extravagant. It is really about the small but intentional ways you show love. It might be a genuine smile, taking the time to listen to one more story, rising above the disrespect, saying a small word of encouragement, giving a high five or a hug, or even just holding open the door for someone. It is about taking that extra moment and being intentional about your act of love. It is about making that act of love personal and situational. You might only have a split second to act so make it count.

I challenge you to take one day this week and focus on showing love to each and every person you come into contact with that day. Notice how it changes you. Notice how it changes the people around you. Notice how God works through you. Notice how this makes you feel. Notice you ARE changing the world with each act of love!

(Oh and report back...I'd love to hear your stories and experiences!!)

Prayer Practices-Prayer Walk

When I was in seminary I had a Saturday morning ritual that prepared me for a day of studying. Each Saturday morning I would put on my tennis shoes, comfortable clothing and head out into the neighborhood for a prayer walk. I would walk the same route or at least a similar one this way I could focus in my prayer rather than where I was going. My route was perfect because for much of the route I could walk in the boulevard and feel a little more removed from the houses that lined the street. As I walked I would talk out loud to God. In the beginning I was very aware of the fact that someone might think I was a little coo-coo. Yet, the more I walked the more I realized that it didn't really matter what other people thought. This time was my time to talk to God and by golly I was going to to it my way!

I don't recall everything I prayed about. I do however, recall that my prayers were very self centered. They tended to focus on things that were happening in my life and affected me. I am sure they focused on my studies and my relationships with those around me. This self focused prayer time was what I needed at the time. I needed to say out loud what was I thinking and feeling so I could return to campus and hopefully be more effective in my studies.

I often wonder how this ritual might have been different if I had spend more time listening for and to God. I wonder if I might have heard a different calling or been more attuned to my authentic self. I wonder if I might have been less anxious and more grateful. As I write this blog I feel drawn to perhaps reengaging with this prayer walk practice with an emphasis on listening rather than talking. I might even come up with a mantra to use to help me concentrate on this aspect of prayer. Or perhaps I will focus on my yoga breath and the calm and openness this can bring.

As I am challenged to recommit to this practice that has been so life giving, I challenge you to try out this prayer practice. Maybe you want to walk the halls of your work place and say a prayer for your co-workers (and no you don't have to talk out loud). Perhaps you want to take a walk in the woods and listen for God's still small voice in the song's of the birds or the wind as it rustles the leaves. Maybe you take your family for a walk in the neighborhood praying for your neighbors as you walk.

If you do take this challenge please share your stories with me. I would love to hear how God is present in your life through prayer!