Universal Human Experiences
We don’t all live in the same place and we
don’t all have the same experiences, but loss and beauty are universal human experiences. At some point, we will all experience them both. And often, at the same time.
As you navigate your losses and the beauty around you, I encourage the practices of remembering, mourning, and praising.
Below are some questions that I hope will guide you in the practice of being present to yourself, God, and your community.
What are you seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing, and feeling right now? Make yourself aware of God being present with you. (Write a description of your awareness of the above senses. Then sit for a moment being present to God as he is present to you.)
What needs to be remembered today? (ask God to bring it to the surface of your mind)
What loss needs to be named? (be as specific as you can)
What ways have you seen God’s goodness?
In light of what is remembered, named, and praised, write a short prayer to God.
As you close your time with God, hear him say, “I love to be with you wherever you are, even in your losses and experiences of beauty."
“Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” Luke 10:11
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The Tension of Loss and Beauty...