When I got the idea for 31 Reminders from Eden, I went back and reviewed the post “In which I need your help with opposites“. The comments were especially helpful, thank you!
I mentioned making a card for each day and before October started I prayed over them, put them in an order and stuck with it (other than the unexpected, but welcome, interruption in the flow with my post over at SheLoves: Jesus Loves Fighting More Than Football).
This week we are pausing and creating space for our spirits to reflect on the month we’ve had. To allow the Spirit a moment to speak into our lives.
In the messy middle of life we are called to hold the tension of the already and not yet. Just this week I have eaten delicious meals, danced with abandon in Zumba, shared words of encouragement, and been reminded of the fragility of life. A former Sichuan province mate died, leaving a wife and three young, young children. I want to ask, Oh death where is your sting?! But I know where it is. Already, not yet. Yes, that about sums it up.
Here’s a list of the reminders. If you’re like me, you’ve grown accustom to scanning more posts than you used to. Could I ask you to fight the urge to quickly move on? This is an invitation to slow down and remember. Dear Spirit we invite you to remind us of the true depth and richness of Eden. The ways in which we see and taste it now and the ways we anticipate. Thank you. Amen.
Love —Satisfaction—Extravagance—Freedom—Belonging—Recreation—Truth—Trust—Purity—Submission—Stewardship—Unity—Kindness—Blamelessly—With abandon—Acceptance—Celebration—Faith—Generosity—Joy—Purpose—Empathy—Rhythm—Hope—Elation—Esteem—Healthy—Peace—Secure (in our being)—Wanted/Desired/Picked/Seen.
My spirit quicken looking at the list and I am called back to myself.
Which reminders moved you? Challenged you? You disagree with? Which was particularly timely?
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Every comment this week will be added to a drawing on Saturday for a set of Holly’s cards (your choice). Following Janet and Holly’s generosity on this project, every comment will be an entry. If you wonder what we’re up to this week, we’re sitting on benches :).
Amy, this was a beautiful series. There were several days where I paused to read the day’s posting more than once. ‘With abandon’ and ‘Elation’ likely struck the deepest chord in me….it’s been a while since I’ve lived in those places. Your posting gives me hope that those are places I will see again. =) Thank you.
I am grateful for your openness to share these wisdoms. Your courage shows there are no barriers to living the good life as first intended in Eden-living. I don’t have a website, so I am not sure you will get this comment. I hope you do.
The list you offered is one no one can rob; it can’t lose interest (although we are prone to lose interest in them) and it helps me avoid worrying about the future too much. God bless you for blessing so many with your willingness to speak wisely and warm-heartedly.
Amy, thank you for taking the time to do this. I need to go back and read the few I missed and re-read some others. Off the top of my head, freedom -and all that entails- is the one that excites me most (at the moment).
Amy,
My favorites were kindness, generosity, wanted, and peace. I especially enjoyed the conversation 3 of us had on the peace post.