In ministry, we often try to do the things we need to do to survive, to balance obligation with the guilt of heavy expectations and as a result, we become consumed by the doing, the urge to be of the world. Rushing to the next thing we need to do. Hurrying to places that pull us away from God.
Mother Teresa once said: “We need to find God and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is a friend of silence. See how nature, trees, flowers, and grass grow in silence? See the stars, the moon, the sun, how they move in the silence? The more we receive in a silent prayer, the more we can give, in our active lives. We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
In this video, Syd Hielema and Ron deVries of Faith Formation Ministries spend some time looking at the why’s and how’s of experiencing true 'soul care' in our lives.
Comments
Wonderful discussion about soul care. I especially appreciate the 4 dimensions of soul care and the idea that a healthy and whole spiritual life needs regular attention in each of the dimensions. Syd mentioned the beauty and benefits of an extended soaking time by attending a soul care weekend or day long retreat--I'd love to see this offered in my local area with spiritual guides I trust and desire to learn from. I also echo Ron's comment that our pastors and church leaders don't share enough about their own experiences and regular use of practices for deep soul care...what might life look like if we modeled these practices and invited more people to participate with us?
Thanks for your comments Kristen. I too wonder what life would look like if we modeled these practices and invited others to join us.
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