Week Three, Day Six Love

I invite you into the prayer practice of Visio Divina this day to center on your breath.

Breathe in to the count of three...exhale to the count of six or seven.

Breathe in the One who is a light to the world...exhale the dreary darkness that can be like a thick curtain on life.

Breathe in the One who can break through the fog...breathe out moments of confusion that keep us constantly spinning in all directions.

Look at the image and let your eyes stay with the very first thing that you see. Keep your attention on that one part of the image that first catches your eye. Try to keep your eyes from wandering to other parts of the picture.

Now, imagine a moment when the beam of a lighthouse powerfully broke through the fog of your life helping you decipher, discern, and decide where to go.  When was the last time that happened?  The metaphorical lighthouse might have been a kind word or hug or nudge or affirmation from someone who cares about you.  Remember and retell yourself that story.  Breathe deeply and let yourself gaze at that part of the image for a minute or so.

You are invited to make a list of all that you are seeing, what seems most important, and why that resonates in your soul today.

Consider the following questions:

What emotions does this image evoke in you?

What does the image stir up in you, bring forth in you?

Does this image lead you into an attitude of prayer? If so, let these prayers take form in you. Write them down if you desire.

Reflection...

The most important reflection today is the invitation above, the moment you can remember and retell yourself a story of when the beam of a metaphorical lighthouse broke through the fog of life like a beacon of love showing you were to go.

That story matters, makes a difference, and is a trace of God's grace in the world today.

Yesterday, we spoke about the fog and ways we might daily walk through those moments when we don’t see clearly.  I suggested a few ways of prayer or talking with others as beams of light shining bright.  Here are a few more lighthouse moments for you to ponder.

Sometimes the lighthouse is a hug from someone I love.

Sometimes the lighthouse is the words that at first seem harsh, but are really calling me back to who and whose I am.

Sometimes the lighthouse is the still silence of sitting with God.

Sometimes the lighthouse is a beautiful carol that calms my soul.

Sometimes the lighthouse is the glimmering of lights on the Christmas tree or holding in my hands at the store a gift that feels like it is humming because the one who receives this gift will love it.

Sometimes the lighthouse is the taste of a warm cookie from the oven alongside a mug of hot chocolate.

Sometimes the lighthouse is seeing and hearing the Christmas story re-told by our children and youth.

Sometimes the lighthouse is hearing and seeing the Christmas story re-told musically by our choir.

Sometimes the lighthouse shines brightest by writing and sharing parts of my soul with you, both through images and words from my heart.

The list is not complete.

I welcome hearing the traces of God's grace and love that are a lighthouse shining for you right here and now in these December days.

Blessings ~~