Looking Within - A Contemplative Podcast

We are now, one year into our journey with Covid-19. Silence and solitude have been challenging for us this past year. In the story of Jesus, these are seen as gifts. This week, as we begin the season of Lent, we explore how Jesus’ story informs our story. We see things differently: new stories, new lives.

As we begin the year 2021, we are asking the question: “How should we live? In fear and scarcity or in love and abundance?” We have a choice. We’ve told the story of the two wolves. One afraid, living in scarcity. The other full of love, living in abundance. For many, the voice of the bad wolf still dominates our thinking. Recognizing that voice is the first step to silencing it. 

As we begin the year 2021, we are asking the question: “How should we live? In fear and scarcity or in love and abundance?” We have a choice. By doing nothing, we often live in fear and scarcity. But by living consciously, paying attention to our choice, we can learn to feed that part of us that can thrive even in the most challenging time.

As we begin the year 2021, we are faced with all the usual challenges and this year, we add one more: Covid-19. What is our plan? Should we live in scarcity and fear or in abundance and love? We have a choice. Last week, we heard the story of The Two Wolves. This week we consider, “Which wolf will we feed?”

As we begin the year 2021, we are faced with all the usual challenges and this year, we add one more: Covid-19. What is our plan? Will we live in scarcity and fear or in abundance and love? We have a choice. Today, let’s consider the choice that is ours in the story of the two wolves.

No one likes the uncertainty of living in a Covid-19 world. We wish to return to a time when we had more control over life. Return is not always an option. Sometimes we must push through. In the story of John Newton, we learn that in such times as these we have a unique opportunity to not merely survive but to thrive.

Travel can change us. If we pay attention, we gain new perspectives on life that are energizing. Our hearts and minds are opened to new possibilities. Recently, we’ve all been on a journey: December’s journey to our Christmas celebration, and of course, our year long journey with Covid. What changes have you noticed looking back on your journey?

This year during December we’ve told stories about people who have had challenges, disappointments, and suffering. Yet in the midst of all this, they have found hope, joy, peace and love, the “big four” of Christmas. Today, we turn to Mary, the mother of our Lord, for her story at the end of Christmas, how she might have processed Christ’s birth.

How do we celebrate Christmas in a Covid world? We’ve spent 4 weeks preparing for our celebration and now Christmas is here. So how will we do? From the stories of those who have gone before us in similarly trying times, let’s consider a new vision for our Christmas celebration. 

How do we find God’s love this Christmas in a Covid world? On Monday, we introduced the theme of love as we heard the story of the Spafford family. Today we continue our theme as we consider the story of Christ’s birth, looking for the love of God in this innocent little child.