Considering that I just discovered that I booked my annual Florida Keys vacation with the hotel on one week and the air travel on the next, I'm not sure I should be writing about Christian mindfulness today. But all is fixed ... at a price ... and I promise to pay more attention the next time. Paying attention is just about everything there is to say about mindfulness. As I move forward, I want to enjoy this Lent as a time to grow intentionally closer to God and to ask for the grace of contentment.
One way I do so is to replace my regular reading material with spiritual books. This time they are:
"The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection: My copy was given to me in the 1977 by a fellow journalist in Tupelo, MS. I've read and re-read it. In my 20s, I was disappointed with the content. Today, nearly 40 years later, I ponder its words in wonder and hope. It is the central text for Christian mindfulness.
"Motherhood and God" by Margaret Hebblethwaite: My yellowed paperback copy is from 1984. The first line: "This book is about finding God in motherhood, and finding motherhood in God." I found it profound while dealing with my two-year-old daughter. Today, I know more than ever that I found God in motherhood, and I am eager to see if it holds up. After all, I've shuffled this book across the country from house to house. Yet this is the first time I am revisiting it in 31 years.
"Both-And: Living the Christ-Centered Life in an Either-Or World" by Rich Nathan with Insoo Kim: Both Rich and Insoo are pastors at my church. This book describes what that church is all about. Better read it.
That's my first step in a mindful Lent. May yours be peaceful and inspiring.
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