a thought on holding space

Four weeks ago,  sitting at a diner, I wrote on a napkin - holding space - it was a reminder to me of  that I wanted to write more about this topic. Today, via Daily Reflections from Henri Nouwen, I found more of what I wanted to say about holding space. 

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Creating Space for God

Discipline is the other side of discipleship. Discipleship without discipline is like waiting to run in the marathon without ever practicing. Discipline without discipleship is like always practicing for the marathon but never participating. It is important, however, to realize that discipline in the spiritual life is not the same as discipline in sports. Discipline in sports is the concentrated effort to master the body so that it can obey the mind better. Discipline in the spiritual life is the concentrated effort to create the space and time where God can become our master and where we can respond freely to God's guidance.

Thus, discipline is the creation of boundaries that keep time and space open for God. Solitude requires discipline, worship requires discipline, caring for others requires discipline. They all ask us to set apart a time and a place where God's gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to.

Comments

[Deb]

Wise words (from you and Henri both) that I needed to read today.

[stephanie]

Thank you Anj for the encouragement that whatever the discipline is that we are pursuing, if it is in pursuit of the sacred, Abba will not only fill it, but it will be honored.

[Erica]

Just want to tell you that today I chanelled you. I was in an argument and I wanted to force it over, manipulate it to a close. be in control i guess. but i remained quiet and spirit spoke to me about my own wrongs! surprised? I bet not. thanks for your example.

[bobbie]

i thought this was great too - i emailed it to liam. i love the idea of spiritual muscles, toning and shaping, growing stronger and finding the joy that comes with spiritual fitness. not in a legalistic, old fashioned way of repetative behavior - but in a new aerobic form of spirituality that is sensory and fully developed and about slowing down.

like erica said - holding the space instead of forcing it - you can just see the muscles getting stronger and longer with that kind of exercise. opening up the space for the inner teacher to respond. i LOVE that!

[bobbie]

oh - and i LOVE your new image - that's not you is it???

[Chris(tine)]

I love the picture too!

Thanks for this today - I used to be on that mailing list, but I must have cancelled it... I really needed to hear that today, it was good.

[Jim]

Henri Nouwen is good reading, Anj, but no more so than a daily visit to partake of what you set on the table. I would deeply appreciate your prayers for the kids at the Center whenever His Presence so tugs at your heart..........

[CEC]

Is that an image from downunder??? 'To set apart a time and a place where God's gracious presence can be acknowleged and responded to' in our crazy, fast western life certainly DOES require an enormous effort in discipline to create time and space open for God ..... Thank you Angi

[tina]

When I was a little girl, my parents fenced off an area of our back yard, around our swing set. It was supposed to keep us safe. I think it just made it so they didn't have to check on us as often...anyway. I always felt cut off from the world: I watched other kids playing so freely. Then I read Psalm 139, where it speaks of God putting his hand on us, hemming us in. For a long time it felt stifling. But as I read this post of yours about creating space...It all took on new meaning for me. The fence, the hemming, can keep things out: things I don't need, that would/could harm me. I can live with discipline like that.

Thank you.

[mary]

Wow. I find that the discipline to give to God, fights my 'mothering time'. The time of laundry, baking etc....but this lent I have found that taking him with me, talking with me, comforting me, have made that discipline easy. I have the time to be with him, because he makes all the time for me. I thank you for the moments with Henry Nouwen. They are a great addition to my day.