Dream Awakener

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One of the areas we need to develop a rule or rhythm of life in is the area of community.  One of my favorite quotes about our need for community comes from the pen of C.S. Lewis when he says, ""To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it up carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket – safe, dark, motionless, airless – it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable… The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers… of love is hell."

"I consider that life passed in company with a number of persons in the same habitation is more advantageous [than solitary living]. – The Long Rules of St. Basil

"You will find a source of wisdom and spiritual joy in the feasts of the Church.  The year is crowned with the signs of God’s goodness.  If you celebrate these feasts with the Church then your own life and suffering, your enthusiasm and work, your  dying and rising and your waiting for the Lord will receive significance and impact." – Rule for a New Brother

"Christ, the Word made flesh, gives himself to us visibly in the Sacrament.  Therefore nourish yourself with the meal of thanksgiving, the Holy Communion, and do not forget that it is offered to the sick of the People of God.  It is there for you who are always weak and infirm." – The Rule of Taize

"The advice of a devout sage is a great asset…No matter how much you esteem your strength of will, place yourself under the direction of another." – The Rule of Comgall

Here is my rhythm of life in the area of spiritual community for this coming year.  As you read through this, take some time to consider your rhythm of life in the area of community.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

• Worship regularly with my spiritual community at Kairos Hollywood, taking the time to focus on God, remember and reenact the story of God through the Christian calendar, as well as partake of the Eucharist weekly

• Practice the craft of what it means to embody the ministry of reconciliation

• Have regular meaningful connection with my fellow leaders in the church for support, confession as well as oversight of the church

• Make at least one connection a week with my various spiritual advisors

• Meet at least quarterly with a pastors support group outside of my local church

• Take time each week to spend with people who refresh me

The next area we will look at deals with our body.  Stay tuned.