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Remembering to linger

3/15/2014

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     Katie was packing the last few things and letting her phone charge a little bit more. I was pacing around our room. I had so much nervous energy. I am not a veteran flyer. I was nervous about dropping off the rental car, getting to the airport, going through security and finding the right gate in plenty of time.     

     I decided to take one last walk on the Riverwalk to settle myself. After a brisk pace to begin, I slowed down to watch the ducks enjoy the water. By the time I came across a stone bench, I was able to sit down and breathe in the warm Texas air. The bushes that line the Riverwalk were just beginning to bloom and release their scent. I could feel the morning heat coming off the stone. It was like my own hot stone massage! Ahhhh! Lingering...

      At the beginning of the week, I had a moment of clarity. I knew I had to let my focused, planning self off the hook. I would need to allow time to linger with Katie this week. We get very few chances like this anymore, just the two of us.

      Dinners each evening were spent perusing the entire drink and food menu before we made our selections. We ordered appetizers in different courses and just sat and talked. Or didn't talk...just sat together in comfortable silence. One day we even spent the afternoon reading - Katie tucked away in our quiet B & B and me in the sun by the pool.

      It was a lovely way to spend Katie's spring break - learning about Texas history, sampling local flavors, and strolling along the Riverwalk each day to notice wildlife, flowers and the unique San Antonio architecture. I am glad I remembered to linger!


~ pam

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Inspired to Linger

3/4/2014

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     I have finished the first two months of 2014 in my year to "Linger".  I have tried a variety of things to encourage myself to slow down and be mindful.

      Since January 1 I have carried two small books of poetry with me. I read them when I have a little time to myself in a restaurant, waiting room or even a few moments at home. Instead of scrolling through Facebook notifications one more time, I read poetry. Just the act of reading poetry makes one slow down. I purposely chose two poets who challenge me and whose imagery is deep and complex: Christian Wiman (Every Riven Thing) and Victor Klimoski (What it Might Mean).

      Christian Wiman's spiritual journey has been complicated and winding. He has described himself as having various states of belief. He was diagnosed with a terminal disease and lived. He witnessed the birth of his son. One might say that Wiman has seen enough miracles to settle into firm belief. But life and faith are not that simple. His poetry is deeply spiritual. He asks lots of questions. As I read his poetry I can feel the sacredness in his questions and in his doubt. If we let them, questions and doubt can be guides in our own attempt to linger.

     Victor Klimoski’s poetry is intentionally filled with spiritual images. He is the Director of Lifelong Learning at St. John's School of Theology in Collegeville, MN. Because he is surrounded by the beauty of the north woods, his poetry is also filled with God's work in creation. He gives voice to another side of my faith - the side that feels familiar and comforting. Many of his poems are inspired by the rhythms of worship and liturgy.
      As Lent begins tomorrow, I will shift my focus and reading to prayer. I have a beautiful book of prayers written by Walter Brueggemann ~ Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann (If you are not a church geek, Brueggemann is a living legend in the area of Old Testament theology.) Each week in Lent I will find one prayer that speaks to me and sit with it – linger over it. Then I will create a piece of art inspired by that prayer.

     Prayers, poetry and art are collaborators in my own spiritual journey. I admire people who can craft a poem or prayer to express their intimate longings and joys. I challenge myself in the same way but with images instead of words.

     Tomorrow, for the beginning of Lent, I have an appointment with both ashes and art. One marks me as one who struggles with deep questions of my faith. The other is my way to let go of the struggle and live into it. I will keep you posted on my Ashes and Art project for Lent.

~pam

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    Pam Voves

    On my own journey as a dabbling artist, a lover of stories,
    and grounded by my call to accompany people on their journey of faith.

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