Rule

A book that I am grateful that I have held on to is Always We Begin Again, The Benedictine Way of Living, by John McQuiston II. McQuiston had been inspired by Esther de Waal's book, Living with Contradiction: Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict.  During the weekend of his father's funeral, McQuiston had confided to an Episcopalian priest that "going to church" was proving to be less and less meaningful for him. The priest suggested that he read de Waal's book. As her writing "sank into his bones" he began to write his own rule.  

  

Over the past few weeks, I have been pondering my own rule, and even have outlined a general one.  I think I have come to this because of the realization that my willy-nilly style  of living needs some shoring up in the third part of my life. As I continue to serve those in long-term care communities, particularly those who are close to my age, I know I am not alone in this. I find it interesting that last night I dreamed that I was going to prison, but when I did not know.  I was, of course, concerned about this sentence.  Yet, after a couple of conversations and even dashing up and down a poorly lit street, I had a thought: that no matter where I went, I would go as a chaplain. "Well, if I must go, I will go as their chaplain." In the dream and in this moment, I find comfort in that idea.  It is akin to, "No matter where you go, there you are."  What is added is the belief that  I still have a role to fulfill. Whatever we must face in life, our choice is, do we  turn it into a prison or a monastery?    

I will be exploring McQuiston's rule and my own over the next few weeks.  For those of you who receive my reflections via email, do remember that they are posted on Facebook and my blog. If you prefer to not receive so many emails, just let me know, and I will delete your address.  Some of my rule may seem silly. While it probably is, issues of balance and flexibility are anything but silly.  As I outlined these steps, I realized I am, at heart, a simple person, and it is a waste of time to be anyone other than that.     

My Daily Rule   

Express gratitude

Stand on tip-toe 

Balance on one leg, then the other

Get down on the floor, and get back up

Pray and/or meditate 

Read a devotional

Gaze upon or listen to something beautiful 

Eat, and take delight in something fresh 

Share a meal with someone if possible

Make the bed

Take note of dreams

Honor responsibilities 

See God in all

Tend to another living creature

Forgive others and myself

Get fresh air 

Tidy something up 

Give away, recycle, or re-purpose an item no longer in use

Let someone know I am thinking about them  

Do something just for fun

Trust in tomorrow
Laugh

Bow and give thanks     

   

Blessings to each of you as you make your way through this world. You have been given unique gifts. Please share them.  I pray your compass will always bring you back to the Divine Presence that resides within. Know that you are loved and you do not travel alone; look for your fellow travelers and cherish them. Know what you value. Hold lightly, but do hold on.