Thank you, Jim, for this beautiful image given to you by Thomas Merton, of the apple sitting in the sun. So much of the time, our spiritual lives can feel driven and in a state of continual striving…I will carry this wisdom of the apple held lovingly in the sunlight—simply “being” in its slow and steady ripening… ❤️❤️
"God as a presence that protects us from nothing even as God unexplainably sustains us in all things." This is something that changed my life, once I came to understand it.
Sheer beauty. The message I’ve heard from you since I stumbled across—some twenty years ago—a set of cassette tapes on prayer that you recorded. With age (mine) the words, like fine wine, are even better
Even as it protects us from nothing, the 'Returning to the Mystics' podcast series nourishes and sustains us with wisdom and hope, the ripened fruit that falls from the vine.
Thank you for this ripening makes so much truth. Do you have any recommendations for a 65 yr old women re-entering the workforce as a spiritual guide…I’m a Living School student, also taking Falling Upward and Divine Exchange. I also took you class on the Mystics and Mary Magdalene from CAC. I’m not sure what to do with my life or what is mine to do. Thank you for your thoughts💛
“As we grow old we realize that, in all we have been through, Love has been using us for its own purposes. And for this we feel immensely grateful.”
Just as I read these words, I looked up from my seat on the porch and saw a bee pollinating flowers, flying from one to another. The thought came that I like this bee am being used by Love for its own purposes,
As I approach the age of 60, I look back and see exactly what you’ve stated here… that God has been with me throughout my years, unexplainably sustaining me through the good and the bad. Most of the ripening I’ve experienced in my spiritual journey has been a result of learning about contemplation and Christian mysticism (thank you, Jim). I still have a ways to go…
Eunice, so true. Another way to think about it as seeing the painful two (sometimes five…) steps back as just as important. The stumbling itself is mercy as God has seen us through each one.
"...God as a presence that protects us from nothing even as God unexplainably sustains us in all things." I so wanted God to protect me from every bad thing that could happen. I trust I'm ripening to accept God as God is and not as I want God to be. Thank you for reminding me to accept life on life's terms.
Thank you, Jim, for this beautiful image given to you by Thomas Merton, of the apple sitting in the sun. So much of the time, our spiritual lives can feel driven and in a state of continual striving…I will carry this wisdom of the apple held lovingly in the sunlight—simply “being” in its slow and steady ripening… ❤️❤️
"God as a presence that protects us from nothing even as God unexplainably sustains us in all things." This is something that changed my life, once I came to understand it.
Same!
Me too
Sheer beauty. The message I’ve heard from you since I stumbled across—some twenty years ago—a set of cassette tapes on prayer that you recorded. With age (mine) the words, like fine wine, are even better
Beautiful! Filled to overflowing with so much “nutrition” — I could read this every day for a year … or more. Perhaps I will! Thank you!
❤️
What a lovely thing to read on a rainy Monday morning. Migwetch, Jim!
Hello Kaitlin, Gayegiin!
Even as it protects us from nothing, the 'Returning to the Mystics' podcast series nourishes and sustains us with wisdom and hope, the ripened fruit that falls from the vine.
That is lovely, thank you Michael!
I love the image of the apple ripening in silence.
I will put out an apple 🍏 for centering prayer.🙏
🍎 ❤️
Thank you for this ripening makes so much truth. Do you have any recommendations for a 65 yr old women re-entering the workforce as a spiritual guide…I’m a Living School student, also taking Falling Upward and Divine Exchange. I also took you class on the Mystics and Mary Magdalene from CAC. I’m not sure what to do with my life or what is mine to do. Thank you for your thoughts💛
Hello Lissa, our Dad is pondering this and we will get back with you 🙂
“As we grow old we realize that, in all we have been through, Love has been using us for its own purposes. And for this we feel immensely grateful.”
Just as I read these words, I looked up from my seat on the porch and saw a bee pollinating flowers, flying from one to another. The thought came that I like this bee am being used by Love for its own purposes,
Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Jim.
Thank you Jeanne for sharing that beautiful insight with us ❣️
As I approach the age of 60, I look back and see exactly what you’ve stated here… that God has been with me throughout my years, unexplainably sustaining me through the good and the bad. Most of the ripening I’ve experienced in my spiritual journey has been a result of learning about contemplation and Christian mysticism (thank you, Jim). I still have a ways to go…
Thank you Jim. I’m looking forward to ‘meeting’ you when the gentle breeze frees me from the tree. 🐸
Perfect timing as I journey with some friends "ripening" with old age issues and diminishment. Thanks as always Jim. God Bless You.
Beautiful reflection. If only the ripening process wasn’t so painful. Three steps forward, two steps back.
Eunice, so true. Another way to think about it as seeing the painful two (sometimes five…) steps back as just as important. The stumbling itself is mercy as God has seen us through each one.
🩷🕊🩷
"...God as a presence that protects us from nothing even as God unexplainably sustains us in all things." I so wanted God to protect me from every bad thing that could happen. I trust I'm ripening to accept God as God is and not as I want God to be. Thank you for reminding me to accept life on life's terms.