beWARM

A catalogue by that name sporadically appears in our mailbox. Its glossy pages make each item look sumptuous and warm;  the cosmetic products offered within promise  anti-aging and rejuvenating properties.

There was a time when I would pore over such pages, from multiple companies, devouring the ensembles and imagining myself duly clothed.

Then, a few years ago, such preoccupation lost its luster.  I tired of the bulging barrage of  “must-haves”, and waged an all out war on the companies responsible for these intrusions.  I emailed – and even sent postcards –  requesting that I be taken off their mailing lists. I was honoring our environment while creating more room in my mental landscape.

This tactic worked – somewhat.  Until I placed an order here and there for a birthday or Christmas gift.  And what do you know…the parade of catalogues continues. (though not in such copious quantities)  Alas, there is nowhere to hide from mass marketing media.

My strategy of late is to tear off the back page containing personal information and deposit it in the shredder (oh, the world we live in). The  remainder finds  a home in the recycling bin, with nary a look at a single page. 

Such relief!  All those extra minutes I just added to the day!

This morning, I found myself reflecting on a different kind of soft surrounding – the one that we all yearn for – a warm, safe place of understanding and comfort. That spot we head for when our mental storm clouds start forming.

In some instances, we find solace in an exterior place or a physical activity that is calming to our minds. A quiet corner of a room, a tree-covered hiking trail, a long bike ride – all can clear out thoughts that “disturb the peace”.

This refuge could also be in the form of a person – a sacred companion, or spiritual friend. In his book Sacred Companions, David G. Benner decribes such a relationship: “the task of spiritual friends is to help us discern the presence, will and leading of the Spirit of God.”

Part of being WARM has been seeking out these fellow travelers.  Benner later says that “journeying together is the only way to effect the personal transformation that is the goal of the adventure.”

Though we can’t mail-order this precious kind of friend, we can rely on God’s Divine Delivery service.  I have had the gift of many such friends over the years, each unique in their own brand of expression, possessing thoughts and attitudes that have taught me much about living in the spirit of love.

For the past two years, I have been part of a small group of women that meets weekly.  We began our walk together by reading Benner’s book. Since then, we have had many a spiritual adventure, all the while encouraging each other as we navigate our respective life paths. Betty, Marta and Louise have been prayer warriors, confidants, and accountability monitors. Our dear Norma, our wise and gifted spiritual director, has gently guided each of us along the way.

To promote further spiritual growth, we have been meeting once a month with  Sister Susan Kusz at the Sangre de Cristo Center just outside Tesuque. She is leading us through a series of Spiritual Exercises, all aimed at deepening our relationship with God.

Our last meeting was very special.  At its conclusion, Susan presented each one of us with a prayer shawl for us to wear during our prayer times. The shawls were various colors and textures, unique to each of our preferences. Susan shared that with each stitch came a prayer specifically for the shawl’s recipient.

Every time I don my prayer shawl, I feel those prayers. The softness of the yarns (in beautiful beWARM colors, I might add) serves as a reminder of God’s warm embrace.  The interlocking stitches symbolize the solid threads of His support; the  lovely pattern, a representation of His unfolding design for our lives.

In what – or whom – do you find your soft surroundings?  We sorely need those places – or persons – where our hearts can find rest, where we are accepted and loved, no matter what.

Where are the opportunities for us to serve such a purpose?  They are before us, waiting to be uncovered….or perhaps already in place.  Being a sacred companion is a great privilege, indeed.

Above all, as we enjoy these sacred and spiritual treasures, we must remember that they are merely earthly representations of God…

…who is our constant and most loyal Companion.

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ~Psalm 59:16
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Phillipians 4:7