SOLITUDE

"Solitude is the furnace of transformation." 

The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry 

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 ...

Initial Concept of the Furnace of Transformation

Luke 12:35-40

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 ... 

Final Painting of the Furnace of Transformation

Luke 4:42

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

Advent Wisdom from Henri Nouwen

Prepare the Way of the Lord ... Pere Thomas keeps telling us in his sermons that the days before Christmas must be days of deep prayer to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.  We must be really ready to receive him.  Christ wants to be born in us, but we must be open, willing, receptive, and truly welcoming.  To become that way we have Advent ... This morning I thought the day was completely free and open for prayer.  Now it is evening, and I don't know where the time went.  Somehow the externals of Christmas -- presents, decorations, short visits -- took over the day and drained away like water through a poorly built dike.  How hard it is to remember ... the difference between the urgent and important!

 Henri J. M. Nouwen, The Road to Daybreak

A Prayer for the Day:  O come, O come Emmanuel, God with us ... Fill me with longing for prayerful solitude so that I might find in my heart the holy space where you are born within me each day.  Help me be open and receptive to your presence so I am able to remember what is truly important.  Amen.