Dream Awakener

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We are continuing our series on developing a rhythm (rule) of life.  Debra Farrington says, "The point of a rule of life, for communities or individuals, is that life should be lived in balance, with God as the focal point. Perhaps that is what attracted me five years ago to the various rules of life. It is so easy for me to live a life that is out of balance, where work or some other aspect of my life takes over. And it is far too tempting for me to place myself at the center of my own universe. Living a rule of life helps me to keep striving for balance — to be conscious of what I do and why — and it reminds me to be open to God in all aspects of my daily life."

"When God is the center of our lives, when we know that we are God’s beloved, we have the obligation and the great joy of sharing that treasure with others."  The Jerusalem Community Rule of Life states this very simply and beautifully: "In your heart God has excavated an immense space where he has placed a precious treasure.  From now on you have the twofold duty of receiving and giving: sharing the treasure of the kingdom you bear within you and stretching the area of your tent for those around you."

This part of our rhythm of life deals with reaching out, simplifying our needs, realizing that all we have is from God and belongs to God, and that we are to give according to what we have, and take action against injustice. Here are my rhythm of life in the area of reaching out or outward.  As you read through this, take some time to consider your rhythm of life in the outward area.

OUTWARD

• Take some time each month to consider how to live a life of simply beauty by reading as well as taking inventory of what I have and what I can give away

• Be generous with what God has given me, by giving and serving in secret as well as using my gifts and talents to help those in need by allowing air time in my schedule

• Continue to be actively involved with the Solis Foundation, growing in my understanding of Kenya and her people, micro-loans and grants and raising resources to meet the needs of those who are without

• Watch films and listen to music that inspires and provokes me to think and care more about justice issues

The last area we will look at in this series is the area of hospitality.