Seeds of the future plant themselves in our hearts every day. We are unaware of their presence until some significant life experience awakens them and invites us to grow.

Joyce Rupp, Walk in a Relaxed Manner

I found myself thinking about the summer months ago, with a predictable longing for the slower pace and freedom that the idea of summer holds. In reality, life is no less hectic as May gives ways to June, and if I’m not careful, I will race through summer and miss the seeds of promise that God has planted.

Then I heard a call: walk in relaxed manner. I had read Joyce Rupp’s book nearly 10 years ago, each chapter a life lesson from the Camino, the great pilgrimage route across Spain. What it taught me then, and I plan to spend the summer re-learning now, is that the great spiritual practices are meant to be lived in the middle of life in all its complexity. The chapter titles alone make me smile: Live in the Now; Be Attentive to Your Body, Don’t Let Difficulties Deter You, Savor Solitude, Trust in the Divine Companion, Let Yourself Be Humbled by Weakness, Enter Into the Hum of Humanity, Pause to Reflect.

At the same time, Joey Rick, Canon for Congregational Vitality, approached us with an idea for People of the Way, our diocesan-wide initiative to deepen spiritual practice. Let’s encourage one another, she proposed, to experience summer through the lens of classic Christian spiritual practices. We needn’t take on more or less, but instead see what we already love to do in summer through God’s eyes, and with our hearts opened to God’s presence.

Will you join us? Visit the diocesan website for suggestions and ways to share your spiritual path and what you discover about the seeds God has planted in your soul. My practice, starting now, is to walk in a relaxed manner this summer, no matter what the day holds, and to cultivate God’s seeds of promise. I can’t wait to hear about yours.

Faithfully,

Bishop Mariann

Link: People of the Way