"Solitude is the furnace of transformation."
by Henri Nouwen, page 25
It used to bother me. The chaos that emerges when I spend several days in silence ... and it does take several days for my chaotic shadow self to emerge. Although 2 or 3 days is good rest and much happens, it really does take 5-7 days for my true self to shed all of the outer layers of protection in order to feel safe enough to emerge. After a week back in the world of ministry and meetings, I realize I didn't get where I wanted to get on my last stretch of silence. I got a vision but I didn't get the realization ... I didn't feel. Yet perhaps for now all I need in the vision! Transformation awaits ...
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| Initial Concept of the Furnace of Transformation |
As I engaged in Lectio Divina ... I heard, "Be ready and keep your lamps burning" in the first verse and I could go no further ... as I began to meditate I heard God say in the depths of soul
Keep the flame burning ...
Keep the flame burning ...
Keep the flame burning ...
Keep the flame burning ... Here I am standing once again looking into the mirror of my soul ... looking at the 2 sides of me. And wondering, dear Mother God, where are you in all of me? Out of the ashes and the brokenness shall rise a great light ... to reveal a new path ... a path that leads to new life. Both sides are broken ... I know ... but only one shows her face in the light of the day. Dear dear Shadow needs silence and darkness to come out and dance ...
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| Final Painting of the Furnace of Transformation |
As I engaged in Lectio Divina ... I heard, "At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place." Jesus breathed in the fire of the Spirit as he walked to a solitary place. A solitary place. Solitude ... the furnace of transformation! Solitude, no words only silence ... the silence that gives peace not war in the silence the war of words rages on until they fade away and there is only no words ... no words fade away until there is only the breath of God ... Spirit fills the void left by the silence as the day breaks ... starting over again ... one more time
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