During this Covid 19 Pandemic many new learnings have been brought to light so far. Some good, some...not so much. For instance, how about being in the same house all together, day and night, night and day? How have we done relationally? Any regrets, any desire to do a reset? I am a big believer that I can't give what I don't have, to me the Great Commandment of Love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as you love yourself (simple version) are what I live for. In order to love others better I need to learn how to love/accept/grace myself too.
As a Pastor for almost my entire adult life I want to share a critical learning. Sacred Space and Sacred Pace = Healthier you and others.
When I type the words Sacred Space I literally mean creating a place where you and God can meet, you can listen to, read, pray, worship, write.........I must have a sacred space no matter where I am, at a hotel room, a retreat, even my office, but for sure my home. My wife Karyn and I each have our own sacred space in the house. A few years back they were next to each other (good thought, bad idea), my sacred space is in a different room from her's and we create our own spaces and they fit who we are and what practices we do. I keep headphones and a power cords next to me so I don't have to move them from room to room. I have an antique box for my writing instruments, another box with journals, Bible (a few) some prayer items, devotionals etc. I also have another antique box I made into a book shelf for all the books I am either presently reading or have ready to read. I have a few spiritual icons and a great view to look from. This is also creates a Sacred Pace for me. I cannot leave the sacred space ramped up at 100 mph with my hair on fire, instead I come out of my sacred time/space ready for the day, listening for what God may be up to and slowed down for it. Yes, I am excited for the day, passionate for the day, but paced for it. Think half-marathon pace, not 5K pace.
When I have spent time in my Sacred Place I come ready for the day with a do-able pace. I CANNOT LIVE A DAY WITHOUT THIS. For too many years I sped through my time in the morning with God, now I have created several times throughout the day/night to be in Sacred Space. A Daily Office is when in the middle of the day I pause and check in with God to assess how the morning went, how I included Him, where I didn't and any adjustments (if any) need to be made for the rest of the day. Often I hear from God about certain people to reach out to, times to pray, times to be still and listen and so on. I use a Daily Examen at night before bed to reflect on the day. This is a really helpful tool. Let me strongly encourage you to consider creating a Sacred Space, tell those in your house that you are doing this and where (make sure there is agreement since you share the house that this won't interfere with others who also share the house). Set a time, or a couple of times to be there and after awhile, Because I am strategic about my soul it truly effects my marriage, family and work relationships. It will for you too! I am pretty sure your pace (inner-life and schedule) will become more of what you'd hope for. I also believe this really helps me be much more present with others. (that's another blog for another time). Let me know if you have questions/suggestions) as I am a big time learner of these kinds of things.
