Being the Beloved:
stories of ongoing transformation in daily life
By Gwen Shipley
The flat terrain of ordinary days is as transformative as the extreme peaks and valleys we journey, a journey with January as a natural starting line for most. Identifying as an enneagram four type, sometimes described as a "frustrated idealist," I inevitably find my attention drawn to what is lacking, what needs a fix. Envisioning beauty and goodness propels me to keep working toward solutions, while other times I spiral into discouragement. The results can be helpful responses or harmful reactions. Working and praying with this wisdom for over a decade now, I know this tendency touches every corner of my world.
Filling out new patient paperwork at an eye appointment recently, I noticed errors on multiple forms. Some were simple typos. Others were punctuation and grammar errors that could have elicited inaccurate answers. When I asked for clarification, the receptionist provided an explanation having to do with new technology. At her request, I edited as I continued filling out forms. We shared a chuckle over exchanging medical services for administrative assistance since, blessing or curse, errors of this kind find me even when I am not looking for them. (I make them, too, but hopefully not here…!) Like a good ophthalmologist, God is at work improving my vision through ordinary means like what happened last summer in my yard.
There I was, needing materials I didn’t have, strength beyond my own, and help settling on a method. My delight-filled afternoon suddenly ballooned into one of unreasonable frustration. I started indoors when, mid-step, I heard, "You have everything you need.” It was as if Spirit gently tapped me on the shoulder with a reminder that such moments are an invitation to turn toward, not away from, God's assurance of love--for me, even now. I paused and smiled, recognizing the [internal] voice as God's own. Agitation subsided as I took in this balm for my soul.
That garden problem has long been solved but the impact of the Voice of Love remains. It brings to mind the Luke 10 story of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha, in which Martha remarks to Jesus that Mary needs to help with the work. He responds, saying that only one thing is needed and that Mary chose it.
The new year is an invitation to choose again, to allow God to adjust our vision. Maybe we ask ourselves questions like these and talk with God about what comes of that inquiry:
· What do I see, how do I see it?
· Do my values align with Jesus’ own?
· How do I view the minutes or hours given to our time together?
· What if material needs are undeniably lacking?
· What might God want me to know?
In a world both beautiful and broken, I continue to learn the experience of “being the beloved.” I want that for you, too. CFDM teaches how to hear The Voice of Love, perhaps alongside another. The CFDM website has a list of spiritual directors, and you can learn about CFDM offerings. Happy New Year!
Gwen Shipley is a spiritual director, writer and musician. Her passion is creating space for others to experience God's love, her greatest joy, noticing God present in ordinary moments of life. You can reach any of our writers by emailing info@cfdmnorthwest.org.
Photo by John Petalcurin on Unsplash
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