Waiting to Arrive

Several years ago, I attended a retreat in the desert of New Mexico on centering yourself, discovering your purpose, and the like. It was all based on Parker Palmer's book Let Your Life Speak, which is oriented around contemplative living. As we sat down to begin each session, the facilitator would say, "We'll wait for everyone to arrive."  

At that first session, I looked around, wondering who wasn't there yet, but soon enough, we began without anyone else entering the space. Then it hit me. "Arriving" isn't always about being physically present and seated. "Arriving" can also be a mental presence, an emotional presence, a spiritual presence. 

How often are we physically present but otherwise distant? How often are our feet moving in one direction and our minds in another? How often are our hearts rooted firmly in the soil of someplace separate from the soil beneath our feet? 

Moses found himself grounded by the fire of the burning bush. Captivated and curious, he was drawn into the present moment. Allowing his disastrous past and fear of the future to fade, he centered himself on the place where God was – present in that precise moment. 

As you wrap up your week, consider the places where you are present and where you are distant. How can your heart be where your feet are? Where is God's presence in the midst of your present? Where do you need to "arrive"? Can you give yourself time to pause for a moment to allow yourself time to fully "arrive" in at least one situation this week?

 - Rev. Allison Yankey