This is so beautiful, and there’s so much here. I too first came to Gd through the empty church building, and still love sitting there when it’s empty. I’ve never been able to put into words that it’s a matter of not having to do any spiritual work there, to find or be found by Gd; you can just sit together there in silence, and exist. Can’t get much more contemplative than that.
This resonates with me! As Jake knows, I had a deep conservative evangelical upbringing, New Zealand though. Thanks so much.. really wonderful writing.
Wonderful essay on the power of presence - just being where you are, absorbing and noticing and participating in each moment. I often think that young people are better at this, especially children. They automatically immerse themselves in experiences. In this aspect, we could all benefit from being more childlike. Jesus said, “of such is the Kingdom of God.”
Good ol’ Merton…I loved this. Thank you. Merton was a friend of mine, as well. My Baptist minister grandfather introduced him to me via his autobiography, The Seven Story Mountain. Then I was at BTSR for a brief time, but met E. Glenn Hinson there. Incredibly transformative. Finally, I lived in community from 92-96 at Richmond Hill. Contemplation and racial healing is their work. I share all of this to say that I grok this. Thank you. Deeply.
This is so beautiful, and there’s so much here. I too first came to Gd through the empty church building, and still love sitting there when it’s empty. I’ve never been able to put into words that it’s a matter of not having to do any spiritual work there, to find or be found by Gd; you can just sit together there in silence, and exist. Can’t get much more contemplative than that.
This resonates with me! As Jake knows, I had a deep conservative evangelical upbringing, New Zealand though. Thanks so much.. really wonderful writing.
Wonderful essay on the power of presence - just being where you are, absorbing and noticing and participating in each moment. I often think that young people are better at this, especially children. They automatically immerse themselves in experiences. In this aspect, we could all benefit from being more childlike. Jesus said, “of such is the Kingdom of God.”
What a beautiful post! You Episcopalians also teach me about contemplation. Thank you!!
Good ol’ Merton…I loved this. Thank you. Merton was a friend of mine, as well. My Baptist minister grandfather introduced him to me via his autobiography, The Seven Story Mountain. Then I was at BTSR for a brief time, but met E. Glenn Hinson there. Incredibly transformative. Finally, I lived in community from 92-96 at Richmond Hill. Contemplation and racial healing is their work. I share all of this to say that I grok this. Thank you. Deeply.
Really glad you like this, Tripp! Thanks for sharing this glimpse into you. I know that Bishop Brian will love hearing it. I certainly did.