Consider Contemplation and Action
So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith (Galatians 6:9 MSG).
The other day, my husband and brother spent several hours honing their photography skills in the spectacular Palouse. The Palouse in north central Idaho and southeastern Washington is primarily an agricultural region. It is also a destination for photographers from all around the world. The hazy quality of this photo was created by dust stirred up during wheat harvest.
I grew up in Montana. Many of my best friends lived on farms, and I learned that harvest time is a really big deal. It is the farmer’s payoff for sowing and tending tiny delicate seeds.
Fields of grain on the Palouse will reap a harvest that feed hungry bodies. Spiritual seeds planted reap a harvest to feed hungry souls.
I loved this quote by Meister Eckhart, a 13th Century German theologian. During the past few years, while pursuing a more contemplative spirituality, I have found truth in Eckhart’s observation. Contemplation, during which one concentrates more on “being” than “doing,” “inspiration” than “information,” “listening” than “speaking,” has often felt non-productive, but in the realm of spiritual growth, I am convinced it is the most valuable time I spend each day.
Of course, both agriculturally and spiritually, a harvest of action is essential. Neither farmers nor Christ-followers can be lazy or passive. Because, however, I am finding spiritual growth is more of a “tortoise” rather than a “hare” process, slowly but surely, I discover the value of time spent in contemplative spiritual practices such as silence, stillness, meditation, and Lectio Divina (divine reading.)
Again, not-quickly but steadily, I find that when I incorporate contemplative disciplines, my “harvest of actions” is more purposeful, peaceful, and productive. I experience greater freedom from energy-draining emotions such as annoyance, comparison, guilt, shame, criticism, entitlement, plus for me a kind-of-addiction to meeting perceived expectations and desiring the approval of others.
My soul is becoming attached more securely to God’s Hesed. The Hebrew word “Hesed is one of the most fundamental characteristics of God, consistent with what we know about His covenantal nature. Hesed is ‘wrapping up in itself all the positive attributes of God: love, covenant faithfulness, mercy, grace, kindness, loyalty–in short, acts of devotion and loving-kindness that go beyond the requirements of duty,’ elaborates Bible scholar Darrell L. Bock.” *
Blessings of God’s Hesed to you in your journey!
