“Writing,” Henri Nouwen wrote, “can be a true spiritual discipline. Writing can help us to concentrate, to get in touch with the deeper stirrings of our hearts, to clarify our minds, to process confusing emotions, to reflect on our experiences, to give artistic expression to what we are living, and to store significant events in our memories. Writing can also be good for others who might read what we write.”
So…I’m embarrassed to see that I’ve not posted anything here since December 29. Ach! I have no real excuses, other than a busy work schedule, a couple of graduate classes (I’m completing a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction at Aquinas Institute of Theology here in St. Louis…) and, oh yeah, I’m about to become a grandpa for the first time! (Although, admittedly, I had very little to do with that last one and I can’t blame him or her for my blog-crastination. Watch for a photo soon!
I’m planning a regular (hopefully weekly) summer series of short blogs, the theme of which I’m still considering and mulling over. In the meantime, I thought I’d give some of you a chance to share your writing on this site. (And I know from hearing from some of you that there are some very good writers out there among my subscribers).
So here’s the assignment:
1. Go outside and sit in the sun. (Or maybe wait until it’s night and sit in the moonlight…)
2. Better yet, take a walk. Whatever.
3. Spend some time reflecting on Psalm 8:4-6: “When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place—Who are we that you are mindful of us, and a son of man that you care for us? Yet you have made us little less than a god, crowned us with glory and honor.”
4. Re-read Henri Nouwen’s quote above.
5. Write something as you pray. Keep it short (under 500 words or 30 or so lines of poetry).
6. Send it to me. Email it to: givenscreative@gmail.com. I can’t run them all, but I’ll choose three of the best and the “winners” get a free copy of my book, Embraced by God: Facing Chemotherapy with Faith. (If you already have one you’ll have another one to give away to someone who needs it…)
Speaking of my book…I am currently developing a day of reflection based on my book, which I will be presenting at the Ignatius House Retreat Center in Atlanta on September 12. I’ll also be offering a full weekend retreat there next May. So if any of you live in the area, spread the word, especially to those in your life who might be facing some tough health issues. More to come on that.
Send me your prayers, poems, reflections. Deadline is two weeks from today, May 25.
So good to hear how you are doing, Steve! Have been keeping you in prayer as you journey toward the certification in Spiritual Direction. Now I will be thinking also about this precious baby about to fill your lives with laughter and love. We have five little Grandchildren under the age of seven and never could have fathomed the joy they have blessed our lives with! How good God is!
You will be hearing from me soon. This Scripture passage has already pulled me in many directions! Thank you.
Good, Kathleen! I was hoping I would hear from you and that you would write something. Noah Joseph Givens arrived early Tuesday morning…everyone is well!
Congratulations Grandpa!! I am so happy for you, your wife and the new parents! May God bless little Noah Joseph and his family with every good thing in the years ahead!