Discernment for the Changing Seasons | Week Two
Waiting and Preparing
This second week focuses on the in-between season of Winter, taking guidance from Celtic Spirituality as we pay attention to the natural rhythms of the earth’s cycles. Last week we looked at Autumn, noticing what is coming to an end for us. Winter, then, is a season in between seasons… a time of waiting. On the outside, it may look like nothing’s happening. Winter is a time for burrowing, going inward, letting production pause and creativity lie fallow. It may look like nothing meaningful is taking place, but actually, there is valuable preparation going on.
Some reflection questions and a Psalm are included in this post.
In addition, a 30+ minute reflection video, including a grounding exercise, a 7-step guide for discernment, and a Thomas Merton prayer, is available for Bless My Feet members.
Questions for Further Reflection
What is being cultivated within you during this in-between, fallow time of waiting?
Are there ways you need to grow, mature, become healthier, or challenge yourself?
How might this season be preparing you for what is ahead?
What do you desire, keeping in mind that our desires often mirror God’s desire for our wellbeing and flourishing?
Psalm
Psalm 63: “O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
“O God, You Are My God” (Words: Kiran Young Wimberly paraphrase of Psalm 63, Tune: Eleanor Plunkett, Irish trad.) https://www.celticpsalms.com/portfolio/o-god-you-are-my-god-psalm-63/
O God, you are my God, and I long for you
O God, you are my God, and I long for you
My whole being desires you, like a dry land, like a dry land
my soul thirsts for you, my soul thirsts for you
Let me see you in your sanctuary and I will praise
I’ll be satisfied, I’ll be satisfied as long as I live, as long as I live
Your steadfast love is better than life and I will praise you
Your steadfast love is better than life and I will praise you
I will lift my hands and I will call to you in
The watches of the night, watches of the night
My soul clings to you, my soul clings to you
In the shadow of your wings I will sing out for joy
I’ll be satisfied, I’ll be satisfied as long as I live, as long as I live
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.