Discernment for the Changing Seasons | Week One
Gratefulness and Letting Go
This first week focuses on beginning to transition out of a particular season. Celtic Spirituality guides us to attend to the changing seasons. In the season of Autumn, the leaves are falling from the trees, the cold is descending, and we are truly no longer in summer. Something is ending. What is it that’s ending for you?
Some reflection questions and a Psalm are included in this post.
In addition, a 30 minute reflection session including an Ignation examen for the season is available in the video below for Bless My Feet members.
Questions for Further Reflection
What are you grateful for in this past season?
Is there anything you can forgive in yourself or others during that season?
What can you let go of?
What might you be invited into in the next season?
Psalm
Psalm 25: “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.”
“For I Wait” (Words: Kiran Young Wimberly paraphrase of Psalm 25, Tune: For Ireland I’ll Not Tell Her Name) https://www.celticpsalms.com/portfolio/for-i-wait-psalm-25/
To you I will lift up my soul
In you, O my God, do I trust
In the stillness I wait for your voice
To guide me in what I should do
And lead me to do what is right
And teach me your loving ways
Lead me onward into your truth
For I wait for you all the day long
Remember your mercy and love
For they are from ages of old
Do not think of how we have strayed
But forgive us when we have done wrong
And lead me to do what is right
And teach me your loving ways
Lead me onward into your truth
For I wait for you all the day long
For those who follow your ways
For those who do walk in your paths
Is friendship with God who will save
Who will guide us in love and in grace
And lead me to do what is right
And teach me your loving ways
Lead me onward into your truth
For I wait for you all the day long
Useful References and Resources
Liebert, Elizabeth. The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.
Bieber, Nancy. Decision Making and Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths, 2012.
Zoom Link for November 18th
On Saturday the 18th of November at 7:30pm Ireland time, I will hold a free online gathering on Zoom, open to anyone on this list, to share where we are on our journeys, explore how we might discern our path, and listen for the invitation into what’s ahead for each of us. If it would be helpful to have some companionship as you explore the changes you’re sensing in your life these days, you would be very welcome. You can register by clicking the button below.
If you’d like to have access to the additional weekly discernment content but don’t have the resources right now, please simply let me know and I’ll put you on the list.