By way of introduction, my name is Hope and I live in midtown Manhattan--at least during the school year. I am a non-denominational Christian, but prefer to characterize my faith as a relationship with Jesus Christ, cultivated by time spent in prayer and in reading of Scripture, as well, I suppose, as a sort of constant communion throughout every day.
There is more, of course, but I guess all will out in time.
Today on my walk home from work in Chelsea, I noticed that the mammoth Barnes & Noble on 6th Ave. was covered with closing signs--another lost lease, an epidemic that has claimed many old cafe-and-shop friends of mine. Bound to make the most of it, I closed in.
I came away with a $5 autographed copy of God's Harvard, a narrative written by Washington Post journalist Hanna Rosin about my homeschooled cronies at Patrick Henry College. Nothing much to say there; I just love that it's written about people and a lifestyle that I know.
Then I noticed that journals were 30 percent off and got lost for half an hour. Last year, my school's Dean of Students clued me into "just listening": the art of finding a secluded place and silencing yourself, letting God do the talking; and then writing down whatever He might be saying. The imprecision of it was difficult for me, but I received the journal Dean Bennett gave me and gave it the old College Try.
My journal quickly filled with a motley assortment of prayers, copied Bible texts, songs, questions, and--I have to admit--notes from a few classes. But the simple act of being intentional with my time alone with God transformed my spiritual life and almost every other relationship I had, which I guess is to say that I was changed, and much for the better.
But the journal has been full for awhile and so has my schedule. Enter edition #2: a small lined volume bound in soft brown leather, selected from the multitudes for its looks, capacity, and portability. Still in wrapping, it begs for a first entry; and it seems this is the day. For me, journaling represents a prayer for renewal; for the presence of God is the difference between existence and life.
Comments (5)
Norrie Hoyt wrote, "...What you did was certainly beneficial, but why do you think "God" had anything to do with it?...Meditators of no religion experience what you experienced."
Norrie, everything good that a person experiences DOES come from God, independent of that person realizing it during the experience, later, or not at all during this life. And if you want to give yourself a gift that truly keeps on giving, read verse 10 of the Gospel of John chapter 10, and ponder mightily on the fact that YOU are one of the sheep for whom Jesus, "the good shepherd", lay down His life so YOU might have the opportunity to have LIFE IN ABUNDANCE. You are in my prayers.
Posted May 22, 2008 5:15 PM
Posted on May 22, 2008 17:15
OooopsaDaisy:
Ms. Hope Hajj:
Posted February 24, 2008 11:31 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 11:31
Hope,
You wrote:
"Last year, my school's Dean of Students clued me into "just listening": the art of finding a secluded place and silencing yourself, letting God do the talking; and then writing down whatever He might be saying.
"... the simple act of being intentional with my time alone with God transformed my spiritual life and almost every other relationship I had, which I guess is to say that I was changed, and much for the better."
What you did was certainly beneficial, but why do you think "God" had anything to do with it?
You were quietly meditating. What happened was a normal and expected result of meditation.
Meditators of no religion experience what you experienced.
Buddhists, who don't believe in a God, obtain the same results that you did.
If you look more carefully at your experience, you may conclude, as many others have, that you were becoming aware of aspects of your own mind that you previously had ignored.
But it was still a good thing to have done.
Best wishes to you.
Posted February 23, 2008 11:38 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 11:38
Good for you Hope. I think many people miss out on so much because they never lower the sound around for time to reflect. I hope your journey continues to provide growth. Good Luck!
Posted February 23, 2008 9:08 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 09:08
Good for you Hope. I think many people miss out on so much because they never lower the sound around for time to reflect. I hope your journey continues to provide growth. Good Luck!
Posted February 23, 2008 9:07 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 09:07