Both cars serviced

Sometimes you just have to write the sexy posts like this...

Last week I had the joyous privilege of taking BOTH our cars in to get serviced. It's always such fun (you do detect the sarcasm here, right?). Anyway...

2011 Ford Escape

The engine light and several other warning/error messages are always lit on this still-fine vehicle. I had also started ignoring the 'You are overdue for an oil change' light a couple months ago. Finally I called to schedule an oil change, as well as the Fuel Injection Service they've recommended a couple times (or, "BG Fuel/Air Induction Service" as listed on the bill). Jeepers... it was $73.63 and $293.10 respectively, plus a $35.55 shop/hazmat fee.

Given what the above cost, I passed on the other recommended services:

• Driver side lower control arm with alignment - $506.75 (supposedly urgent)
• Driver side axle shaft seal - $480.56 (also urgent)
• Oil Leak Testing w/degrease and dye - $114.15
• Brake Flush - $164
• Cooling system flush - $234.51

I can never tell for sure how much longer this car is going to be around, so it's hard to know how much to spend on it. Still, it's a great vehicle for bopping around town in. And... at some point this year, I need NEW TIRES (ouch!).

I dropped it off in the morning and ran home; then walked back in the late afternoon to pick it up.

2013 Honda Accord

I take the Honda to the dealer for oil changes still, because it's cheaper (even though the original $12.95 is now up to $39.95). For this car, on this day, they did...

• Oil change - $39.95
• Replaced engine air filter - $46.35
• Replaced cabin air filter - $69.95 
• Replaced both wiper inserts - $44.40

I had requested they replace the battery, because they said it needed it the last time. However, the service tech said that unless it was giving me problems, he wouldn't recommend it. So... whatever. At any rate, other service they recommended is:

• Brake fluid flush
• Fuel injection cleaning
• Transmission service,
• Serpentine belt replacement
• Spark plug replacement
• Wheel alignment

I thought it weird that they apparently don't offer estimates on recommended work anymore. I suppose prices are rising too fast to keep up. Plus, it annoys me that they won't give me the FREE car wash - because I have a chip in the windshield... even though we bought the car there WITH the chip in the windshield, and they used to wash it. Whatever. 

I waited at the dealership and it took about an hour and 15 minutes.

 

So, hopefully I won't have to do anything anytime real soon... though I know I need to have the front end work done on the Escape, and get new tires. Ugh. Not looking forward to either one of those expenses... 

Speaking in church (again)

I shared the Sunday message yesterday at our church. Again.

Afterward - both yesterday and today - I probably feel about as little emotion as anytime recently. Not in a bad way. Maybe it's starting to feel... more like it used to. Like, it's just something that happens now and then. It feels... okay.

Oh, I was still nervous. I regret the frantic moments when I add some silly remark in-the-moment that wasn't in my manuscript - just because I don't know what to say, or sheer anxiety...

And there was a little more stress beforehand than usual. For one, it was a shorter message than usual, and I was relying on technology for 1/5 of the message (a 5:30-minute song); and when I woke up in the morning I already had a string of text messages that: the church where we meet was having a dinner, so things would be chaotic; the worship leader - and person who was to play the song during my message was sick and would not be there; there would be two new worship leaders who had never done it at our church before; the person who was now going to handle tech - while a great person - is not always the most dependable; plus I got up during the night and not only was I having a stomach issue, but my heart rate was offbeat; and I had a head and throat full of fall seasonage... then, when I arrived at the church I was informed we wouldn't have the usual headset mic and I'd have to hold one, and I had specifically planned a couple parts where I wanted to use both hands to "talk." ... ... Basically, there were a lot of unknowns and a couple curveballs.

Still, I read through my manuscript again this morning... and I was okay with it. Again, I wish I could have kept TO the manuscript instead of a couple ad-libs... but for the most part, for a message I wanted to be only 18-20 minutes instead of the usual 25, I felt alright. 

Yes, there was so much I had to cut out. So many more things I wanted to say. But... you do what you can... and I was okay with what I did. I think.

 

I only used two slides... which I liked.

I like to have at least a couple moments of humor, but not too much. I don't want them to be the most memorable parts of the message, but hopefully use them to create the downbeat for what I want someone to... feel. There needs to be a rise and fall... but, again, not too much. Just enough. That's difficult.

This was the first time recently where I didn't consult Ai for anything. The past several messages, after I'd written the first draft, I put it into ChatGPT and Claude and asked each for suggestions on flow and relateability (I wanted them geared towards a 9th grade female living in this part of the world). I guess with this one... maybe I just didn't want the added critique... or maybe I felt this one was geared more for someone/something else. Maybe I'm just getting tired of Ai, period.

I used the U2 song "Grace" off their All That You Can't Leave Behind album for an exercise in spiritual listening (audio divina). I kind of wished I'd used a shorter song, but at the same time I felt like - while 5 minutes seems like a long time - maybe that was part of the point. I am glad I used it, and kind of glad no one mentioned it afterward.

We are doing a series on spiritual formation... and I wanted to present spiritual formation not so much as something 'we do'... but more as a means of giving consent to grace for the Spirit to do something in us. I used elements from Tish Harrison Warren's book 'What Grows in Weary Lands,' Richard Beck's 10-part series On Nature and Grace, David Benner's book 'Surrender to Love' ("consent to grace"), Chuck DeGroat's "regulation precedes maturation," Psalm 46:10, John 15:5... and the U2 song was a way to put this into practice as a communal activity.

I am looking forward to taking some time off from thinking about this for awhile now. I want to catch up on some reading, emails, journaling, blogging, yard work, and 3pm meditation with tea. 

So, all that said, I don't feel too bad. I've had a reasonable amount of feedback, and I simply haven't been dwelling on... anything. It's kind of nice - for a change. :)

I suppose now it's time to go for a run.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Wait, you mean it's friday???

Yeah, yeah... I know. It's been awhile. Anyway...

1. ANOTHER MESSAGE

I've been working on another Sunday message for church. I "think" I'm ready for this Sunday. Only 6 versions of it (so far). Talkin' about grace and doing an audio divina (spiritual listening) exercise to the U2 song "Grace."

2. COMMUNITY GROUP

Not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but we started a community group in our home of people from church. There are 10 of us. Two hetero couples, one gay couple, a widow, two divorced guys, and a single woman. We've met three times, and it has been really good.

3. MY BIRTHDAY

Yeah, I almost forgot, my birthday was earlier this week. I need to write something about that. No big deal though. I'd have probably missed it if I hadn't been reminded... which is okay by me.

4. CARS SERVICED

I had to take BOTH cars in for service. I need to write those things down on this here blog account sometime...

5. READING

I've kinda/sorta started reading What Grows In Weary Lands by Tish Harrison Warren. I've read chapter 5 like 3 times, but none of the rest of the book so far (I'm using it in my message Sunday). It looks good.

5b. RUNNING

Oh yeah, and I'm also kinda/sorta getting ready for another half marathon trail run coming up in December. Hopefully I can swing it. I still need to register...

Okay, those are supposed to kind of be excuses as to why I haven't posted anything in a while. I don't know where the time goes. But, I know... 

I voted (but I didn't cause the ruckus)

I voted yesterday. I'm not exactly sure why... it's not like I think it will change anything. Still, I guess I feel obligated. 

I am not declared for any party, however I did vote for all democrats. I went line by line and left a few blanks where I wasn't sure. Plus... all those judges... Who even knows who they are (I knew one, and didn't vote for him)?

One weird thing that happened though... When I arrived, there were three old people in front of me, and every voting booth was occupied (maybe a dozen or so). I waited in line, checked in and got my ticket and card, and got in line behind the three people in front of me. 

I felt like I was standing a respectful distance from the guy in front of me, and one of the ladies checking people in hollered at me... "Get in line," she ragged. I said I had already checked in and I was in line to vote. She hollered back, "I know! Move up, so someone can't cut in line in front of you!" ...

I glanced around the room (in maybe a slightly exaggerated way)... The only other people were either already in a booth, or it was the three people in front of me. There was NO ONE behind me. 

Still... I took a step closer to the guy in front of me. I just put my hands in my jacket pocket and started straight ahead. I didn't want to make a scene... even though I don't think I WAS making a scene. I was just standing in line, trying to do my citizenly duty. Geesh. I wonder if she was having a bad day or something.

Anyway, I thought it was fairly busy for a Tuesday morning around 9:30 at one of the 9 early voting centers in Fort Wayne. Overhearing a couple of the judges, it sounds like it's been pretty steady so far.

It's not like I expect anything to change though. Politicians will still be politicians, and money will still buy them... 

Harumph... 

Trip to minnesota

We took a long-weekend trip to Minnesota. This was a car trip - hoping to catch some fall scenery. Plus flights are outrageously expensive right now, and we thought we better drive while we can (before the snow starts falling).

It was a nice drive. The leaves haven't turned a lot, but some. It was nice weather nonetheless.

We left Friday morning right around 8am - hoping to skirt through Chicago without much traffic. The map app took us right through town on I-90 and it wasn't too bad. I believe the trip up took us just over 9 hours - mostly because of a traffic snarl in the middle-of-nowhere, Wisconsin. Plus... you know, I've said this before, and I'm sure I'll say it again... WISCONSIN IS THE WORST STATE FOR SLOW DRIVERS IN THE LEFT LANE ON THE INTERSTATES!!! Are these people just stupid or what?!? I cannot believe the number of people who get in the left lane and just stay there... most of them barely even going the speed limit!

Anyway, we arrived around 4:15-ish and Wynn was just getting up from his nap.

We stayed in Friday, then Saturday we just bummed around a bit. In the morning we went to a farmers market in downtown Minneapolis, as well as playing in the big park there (maybe Gold Medal Park?). After that we went home and I went for a run along the Mississippi river. I discovered a huge tent community along the river - right along Shepherd Rd where I run. I can't believe how big it is. So many people. Anyway, Saturday night we went to a fall party at Wynn's school, and then to Francis (one of our favorites) for vegetarian burgers.

Sunday we went for brunch to a cool little place (can't remember the name).

We decided to leave Sunday afternoon when Wynn went down for his nap, and we just drove part way home. This way their Monday morning won't be so hectic, and our drive wasn't so long.

We had book a hotel in Wisconsin Dells - which was only 3 hours from St. Paul. We probably should have booked on in Madison, WI (which is 4 hours away), but I was thinking we would leave later in the afternoon. Anyway, the Holiday Inn Express in the Dells was nice enough (other than the coffee... which was terrible for some reason). 

Monday morning we left there around 9 CDT and were home a little before 4pm EDT - so it would have taken us just under 9 hours total on the return trip. Traffic wasn't bad going through Chicago either way, which helps, as that's really the only city we have to drive through.

I got home in time to unpack, sit and space out for a bit, eat a bit, then attend an elder meeting at church from 7-9pm. Yay.

All in all it was a nice trip. Wynn is growing like a weed, and we always enjoy hanging out with the hipsters of the Twin Cities. 

Another fort4fitness 4 us

I can't remember if I posted that we ran another Fort4Fitness Fall Festival at the end of September or not. Anyway, I wanted to look up how many we've done and add to it.

Here is a pic of us at the start. One is just the two of us, and one is with our second-youngest grandson - who ran his first Fort4Fitness 4-mile. 

 Here is a list of what each of us has run at the Fort4Fitness from 2012 to present:

2012 - (Dan) Half marathon            (Jane) 10k

2013 - (Dan) Half marathon            (Jane) Half marathon

2014 - (Dan) 10k                             (Jane) 10k

2015 - (Dan) Half marathon            (Jane) Half marathon

2016 - (Dan) Half marathon            (Jane) Half marathon

2017 - (Dan) 10k                             (Jane) 10k

2018 - (Dan) Marathon                   (Jane) Half marathon

2019 - (Dan) Marathon                   (Jane) Half marathon

2020 - (Dan) Marathon (virtual)     (Jane) 10k (virtual)

2021 - (Dan) Half marathon           (Jane) 10k

2022 - (Dan) Half marathon           (Jane) 4 mile

2023 - (Dan) 4 mile                        (Jane) 4 mile

2024 - (Dan) Half marathon           (Jane) 10k

2025 - (Dan) Half marathon           (Jane) 4 mile

2026 - (Dan) 4 mile                        (Jane) 4 mile

So, we've done 15 of them, and I think this was maybe the 19th year. 

Here is a pic of us on the actual course (boy do I need to work on my form): 

Random doxology thoughts

As I glance over my notes from Doxology 2026, here are just a few randomlies...

• Kenneth Tanner laid down this incredibly deep line right off the bat (actually, during the pre-conference session): "Any human who hits rock bottom lands on the body of Christ." I really, really like that.
• Eric Peterson talked to us about being "God-attentive and God-responsive." It was a short but memorable talk. 
• Sophfronia Scott (her son was at Sandy Hook) gave 1) "We are over-connected and under-related," and 2) "You are upholding something just by being alive and going through your day." Also, the letter-writing exercise/info based on Thomas Merton was grand.
• Bruce Herman left a mark on me. I wanted to buy his book 'Makers by Nature' but they were gone by the time I got around to it. Several things, but one from a Q & R session: "The only people who need power are those who have no love."  
• Frederick (Fritz) Bauerschmidt was also very impactful for me. I also wanted to get his book, 'The Love That Is God,' but it was gone too. When he talked on day 2 about "the difference between 'why did Jesus die,' and 'why was Jesus killed'"... whew. I think it's in his book (I hope). Also, his definition of Social Media: "Where anonymity allows anti-social behavior."

 Okay... there's some morsels for today... and two good books to buy! ;) (Maybe even birthday/Christmas hints) ;)

Evil is like a hole in your sock

Another gem from Day 3 at the Doxology event I recently attended... 

Frederick (Fritz) Bauerschmidt discussed Augustine's belief that "no one is evil by nature"... because we are created by a God who is supremely good, and we are created in God's image. (He also noted Thomas Aquinas' theory of a 'bent toward self preservation').

If we are evil (or do evil), it is by vice. Evil is the absence, loss, or corruption of good. Or, as Fritz suggests, it is "like the hole in your sock."

Therefore, evil cannot be mended by eradication. You can't remove a hole in your sock... it can only be healed, by making it whole again. Which is where love comes in.

He went on... 'no one is so bad that they cannot become good, and no one is so good that they cannot do bad things.' 

Fritz used the real-life events that led to the book (and movie) Dead Man Walking as an example. Particularly how the father of the murder victim was able to say he forgave the killer.

I wish I'd taken better notes here, because it was a very moving talk. 

Unguarded hospitality

 On day 3 of the Doxology event I attended last week Bruce Herman presented us with a talk he titled 'Welcoming the Mysterious Stranger: Unguarded Hospitality.' He phrased it as "an invitation to let our guard down." I loved it!

I believe he based it off the book Self & Salvation by David Ford. Herman broke it down into five steps:

1. The Self without idols - If the self is to be transformed you have to live without idols.
2. The Hospitable Self - A self that is unguarded because it is willing to take the risk of inviting strangers into our lives
3. The Singing Self - People begin to "harmonize" when we're willing to be vulnerable and at peace with others (so it's not really about "singing," as much as learning to get along).
4. The Worshiping Self - When we are singing with others it is no longer just about us/ourselves.
5. The Eucharistic Self - When we are unguarded and let others in, we will be poured out. We're agreeing to be broken for others... dying to self. 

I really liked the image this created in my mind of how a person - and even a society/church - might find transformation. We need to get 'out of' ourselves... and be open and vulnerable to others. 

This seems especially timely to me as tomorrow we will begin hosting/leading a 'Community Group' made up of some people in our church. I'm thinking of using this as an introductory contemplation.  

My first doxology

I was up early this morning. Like, really early. Sometime between 3 and 4am. My mind and heart tussling over how in the world I am ever going to recover... how am I going to fit back into the world... how will I listen to and exchange banter over sports, weather, halloween parties and the like.

I don't know. 

Earlier this week I attended my first Doxology "conference." It's not a conference though... I think they just say... Doxology. On their website they have two descriptions. This one offers a practical view:

Doxology is a 3-day gathering in Holland, Michigan, for pastors and poets, carpenters and caregivers, business leaders, therapists, teachers, and stay-at-home parents (for all of us) —who long for the simple, sacred life that flows from the Father, Son, and Spirit. We gather to nurture humility, joy, and holy resistance against the forces that dehumanize, choosing instead the quiet beauty of being God’s beloved in God’s astounding world.

Beside it is this shorter version: 

Doxology is a posture of wonder, gratitude, and awe in a world crowded with noise and exhaustion.

Yeah... and it was... So...

How am I supposed to recover from that? That's what I was wrestling with this morning.

It was a glorious time for me (other than being away from home). Those invited to host, lead, speak, and otherwise simply mingle were the likes of Winn Collier (head of the Peterson Center for Christian Imagination), Eric Peterson (Eugene's son), Kenneth Tanner, Andy Squyres led us in singing hymns, as well as Q & R times, an evening of music, and just being present... The main presenters were author Sophfronia Scott, artist Bruce Herman, and Catholic theologian Frederick (Fritz) Bauerschmidt. There was also rock polishing, yoga, poetry readings, dramatic Scripture recitations, painting, and just... such a genuine feeling of friendship and hospitality everywhere.

I'm having trouble finding words... so maybe I'll just offer some bullet thoughts:

• I heard Eugene Peterson speak maybe 2 or 3 times (and have read many of his books). Seeing his son, Eric, speak was an almost haunting reminder. He looks, sounds, and has a similar way. And Eric's wife was so nice.
• Winn Collier is the perfect host for something like this (and probably why it is the way it is). A truly gentle and humble man who isn't afraid to laugh.
• I'm tempted to say I connected most/best with Bruce Herman and Andy Squyres, though I also liked Fritz quite a lot. I was just surprised that the two more "artsy" people seemed to have such a deep impact on me.
• That's not to say Sophfronia didn't have anything worthwhile... The writing exercise she led us in Wednesday meant a great deal to me and I will likely remember for a long time.
• Some of the best times were when Winn, Sophfronia, Andy, Bruce and Fritz were on stage for question and response times. Listening to them answer audience questions off the top of their heads, as well as listening to them talk about how much they were moved by the other presenters was just fantastic.
• Singing old hymns with Andy and several hundred others... several times a day... There's not much better than that. I don't really know what would be better than that...
• Holland is a really cool town (at least the downtown area by Hope College where we were.) It's right at a 3-hour drive... I took route 30 west to route 31 north; about 90 minutes on each; four-lane all the way. Easy trip. 
• There were nine of us from our church there. We could all squeeze into a single row together in the long-ass pews at Pillar Church. 
• I don't recall any other "conferences" - or things like this - where the presenters were all present for every other presenter... taking notes right along with the rest of us.
• I silently wept A LOT - during the presentations, and even at night in my hotel room alone. This was a very moving experience for me.
• I have lots of notes which, hopefully, I can share some of over time...

There is obviously more I could say but... I don't know if words would do justice. We'll see.

So, now, here I am... wondering if I'll ever be able to just 'go about my day.' I mean, I know that's the point of these things... to take this stuff and integrate it into our ordinary everyday lives... but...

I don't know if I can.

I don't know how.

I feel so... out of place. And it's not entirely because of these three days... but they were a good reminder to me of... I dunno... how... hard it is.

 

Anyway... the neighbor one house over is having a new concrete driveway poured today, and it's "cleaning day" in my house. I suppose I need to enter the noise and exhaustion for a while... 

Grace and spiritual practices

 Our current teaching theme at church is:

"Spiritual Formation with no one to impress and nothing to prove."

Along those lines, I finished David G. Benner's fine little book 'Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality' last week (we're actually starting a class on the book this coming week). Ever since then I've been sitting with this piece from p.101:

Union with God is not something we achieve. It is not the summit of a spiritual mountain we are trying to ascend. It is a gift of Grace. We do, however, have an important role to play in accessing this grace. And that is the place of spiritual practices. They are the way in which we offer our consent to Grace.

Surrender is not the only means by which we access the grace of transformation, but it is the most important and most distinctively Christian. But surrender is not something that we only practice when we approach God with open hands and hearts in faith. It is something that we need to make a moment-by-moment part of how we live our life.

 

I'm not really even sure what to say about that yet...

I definitely believe it's true... and it is probably a difficult thing to hold onto and wrap my head around... sort of that need to hold it 'tightly but also loosely'...

Hmm... man, it's something to think about, alright. 

I don't like yesterday's, and a k-shaped economy

Before I clicked "publish" I already did not like my post from yesterday. I mean, I don't know Ed Sheeran. Maybe he's an okay person. Still... I have an attitude about mucho money. I won't go so far as to say 'you can't be a follower of Jesus and also be rich'... but I would say those people are few and far between. And, I might go so far as to say you can't be a billionaire and be a follower of Jesus (I just don't see how it's possible).

Anyway, this morning I was wonderin' what in the world a "k-shaped economy" is. I've been reading the headlines and, I admit (and you likely know), I am not an economic genius. So, if you're wonderin' too, here are some basics I have learned:

• In general: A k-shaped economy is where different groups of people have very different experiences at the same time.
• Think of the vertical line on the left of the letter "k" as the starting point, or base point. The economy then splits into two different groups: those for whom things begin to look better (the line going up), and those for whom things are much worse (the line going down).
• The line going up might be a person/family where they have high-paying jobs, own their home, have investments in the stock market... They're making more money than they were a few years ago.
• The line going down is a person/family where they have low-paying or no jobs, their rent and housing costs are rising, groceries and gas are more expensive, they have few or no investments, and they're having trouble saving money or staying afloat.
• So, someone could say "the economy is doing well," and some would say "yes" and some would say "no"... and they would both be technically correct. 
• The problem with a k-shaped economy is that those who are well-off tend to become better off, and those who are struggling tend to struggle even more (a widening of the gap between rich and poor and a further diminishing of the middle class). 
• That means the country's economy isn't one that affects everyone equally.
• Two people living in the same city at the same time can experience completely different economies.
• In other words, the benefits and problems are being distributed unevenly.
• So, when someone says "the economy is growing," they can technically be telling the truth, but it doesn't tell you very much about how ordinary people's lives are actually changing.
• And, just my own two cents: I'm guessing many of those on the upward swing have little or no clue what life is like for those on the downward swing. 

 So, there ya go. A little economics on this gloomy loomy day.

Just thinking... this and that

I have no idea who Macklemore is, nor what kind of music he(?) plays. 

I could not tell you a single song by Ed Sheeran, or what kind of music he plays either. However, I have heard of him. And I think it's a cop out to say he doesn't want to "get political." We're all political, dude!!! He is supposedly worth $400 million and apparently enjoys the success of being famous. You don't have to align yourself with a candidate or party, but you should at least have the nads to say "I think this is right," or "I think this is wrong." Wouldn't it be nice if we could all just stay neutral while raking in boatloads of money... What kind of world does that leave us with??? The exact kind we have!!! Shame on Ed. imho. 

Do I think the USA has committed war crimes in Iran? Ha! Absolutely!!! And I wouldn't believe a single word out of Washington if you paid me Ed Sheeran's salary.

I just discovered I forgot to take my meds last night (my second dose of blood thinner). Oops. I think I've only forgotten maybe 3 times since I started a couple years ago.

My regular running routes are all under water. The one I'm still able to use is one I've traveled plenty... but I prefer running along the river and through the trees. It does not get monotonous to me.

I am currently reading Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality, by David G. Benner. We are going to be doing this as a class at our church next month.

Yesterday I was given Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction, by Alice Fryling. I will read this next... in preparation for leading a Community Group at our church. I'm trying not to freak out about that.

I think I actually watched an entire football game yesterday (mostly) - Dallas vs. Washington. I don't remember the last time I did that. However, it was only because we were feeling tired and lazy and it was about the only thing on. I have a hard time getting into watching a bunch of millionaires make money for a bunch of billionaires. I'd rather not support anything having to do with such...

I do believe money is the "root of all evil." 

Pomodoro productivity

You've probably heard me say I have lately been having problems with procrastinating. I still manage to get most things done, but it bothers me. So... 

I think I may begin experimenting with the Pomodoro Technique. It's basically setting a timer for 25 minutes, then working on one thing and one thing only. Then, when the timer goes off, take a break and repeat.

Wikipedia describes it like this: 

The original technique consists of deciding on the task, setting the timer (typically for 25 minutes), working on the task, taking a short break (typically 5–10 minutes) when the timer rings. This repeats until four pomodori are completed, after which a long break (typically 20 to 30 minutes) is taken before starting the cycle again. 

Apparently it is supposed to work best if you have an old fashioned kitchen timer or egg timer, but most phones nowadays have timers, there are plenty of apps, or you can just type into google "25 minutes timer" and it starts counting down immediately.

Seems easy enough.

Now, if I can just get started... 

 

What is your dream for the day?

This past Sunday our church did a table gathering centered around Spiritual Formation (the theme for this season, from now until Advent).

Spiritual Formation was defined as:

To be shaped by the Spirit into an every deepening Christlikeness. A process that takes place through surrender and receptivity to love.

Practices become experiences that wake us up and give us tangible training for becoming people of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The first of several questions was: How do you come today, what is your dream for the day?

The second was: What if we could approach our spiritual formation with no one to impress and nothing to prove? What would happen? How would this approach change things for you?

 

I thought these were both pretty profound questions. I guess I especially perplexed by the "What is your dream for the day?"  

I don't know that I've ever considered a 'dream for the day.' People at our table  - ranging in age from middle school up to us (the oldest) gave varying answers. I think I said something like "To get some rest." I knew right away it was a lame answer.

Anyway, I've been thinking about that question ever since. Why don't I have any idea what my dream for the day might be? 

I wanted to write this down here so maybe I will contemplate it some more. I think it's worth thinking about...