David Wenger, my spiritual guide at The Hermitage, sensed what I needed most on my journey was to learn how to be in a state of “holy leisure.”  He sensed this after hearing parts of my spiritual journey and learning of the many goals I had hoped to accomplish during my 10 day stay at the retreat.  I learned that what he meant by this is for one to waste time with God; to rest in Him rather than to rigorously engage in spiritual disciplines as I had planned.

I found this initially to be difficult as I had always prided myself in accomplishments, particularly reading classic books on Christian spirituality.  When I wasn’t doing something I would feel a sense of guilt.  Once I was given permission, however, to ‘waste time’ and just ‘be’ in the presence of God, it came rather easily and I began to really enjoy and look forward to this Presence of the Holy.

As a personality style “nine” on the Enneagram, I have recently learned that my deepest life-long need is to acknowledge and accept that “my presence matters.”  I am learning that my presence indeed matters not only to family and friends but also to God.  I know that He delights in my presence!   Alleluia!

I am realizing that a spin-off of practicing holy leisure is the gift of living fully in the present moment and seeing God’s grace being present in many situations and in others.  Gentle tears are often triggered by these treasured moments.

Through photographs I would like to share some of these special “moments of grace” which I have experienced this week.  May you experience God’s presence as you view them.

Ficilta Braak’s sister Joane’s 5 month-old-daughter, Maria Bell Christi, totally trusts her Mother’s friend, Wiguens.

Best friends Ryan (Ficilta and Tom’s) and Echo live fully in the moment.

Ryan unabashedly enjoys eating a mango followed by indulging in a bubble bath.

Ryan takes delight in making spaghetti from pipe cleaners, mud and stones.  Yummy!

Ryan plays “hide and seek” with a neighbor’s goat.

Ryan and cousin Mael enjoy companionship.

God’s presence be with you today and every day.

Love,

Larry