Emptying

Early this morning I decided to empty out a box that looked to be filled with paperwork I no longer needed.  For the most part, I was correct. However, in it I discovered a book entitled Consultation by John E. Kolstoe.  I then remembered the very kind member of a Baha' i community who graciously gave me this book to me during a discussion about addressing conflict in community. As I perused it this morning, the paragraph below caught my eye. It seems worthy of pondering during Lent. 

Everything reasonable should be done to re-establish harmony... But if concerted efforts do not work, let go. Learn to live with it. Everyone has his [or her] own spiritual battle. The contentious have theirs; one of yours is learning to live with them. Place it in perspective. Pray for them. Look for opportunities to establish harmony, but do not worry about it excessively. Concentrate on teaching. It may be best to simply leave them alone (168).   

 Lent is often viewed as a private journey, but for those of us in community, it is, hopefully, also a communal one.  Most Christian faith communities will offer some sort of study or book discussion during this season. However, it might be fruitful to ask at the beginning of Lent (and really, just about any time), "How will we make this journey  together? What do we, as a community, need to consciously surrender to God? How are we being called to being more present to one another and the wider community? From what do we, together, need to fast?"  The answer to the last question may still be chocolate or potato chips, but at least we will have some company!  And yes, this is an example of why getting rid of books can be so difficult.   

  

  

Blessings to each of you as your Lenten journey continues. Let us pray for one another and encourage one another on the way.