Reed likes to joke that 8 am is my favorite time of day. I think he's right. I've always loved mornings, but yes, 8 am on a summer morning is pretty close to perfect.
The stillness of the morning, the sun outside, my tea on the table next to me and a book in my hands - this is my favorite way to wake up. Since we have today off, I could have slept as long as I wanted. I woke around 7:30, though, and I didn't even want to go back to sleep. Reed could sleep forever, so I usually let him and head out to my spot in the living room. It's funny how much I cherish these open-ended mornings when I'm usually rushing off to work. I'm just very thankful for this peaceful, joyful time today.
Today, in this sweet morning time, I've been reading another Henri Nouwen book. This book, Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit, is another one I already know will be revisited often. As I read the introduction, I was struck by this definition of spiritual formation:
"Spiritual formation is not about steps or stages on the way to perfection. It's about the movements from the mind to the heart through prayer in its many forms that reunite us with God, each other, and our truest selves."
What a refreshing, encouraging and challenging way to view growth. As someone who's struggled with performance-based living, this is especially good for me to hear. I love this idea of taking our head knowledge to the deepest part of who we are so that it transforms every part of us. When we pray, when we truly seek and spend time with God, he changes us. I think if I had to sum up my greatest hope, I would say it is reflective of this kind of formation. I want to be fully united with God, with people and with my truest self. That is such a neat picture of what life looks like when we are transformed by the Spirit.
Again, I'm very thankful for these kind of mornings. I'm thankful for time to read and reflect. I'm so grateful for a God who challenges me even in the mundane simplicity of my living room. Now, I'm looking forward to learning more about these movements and what God has to teach me.
Good morning! Enjoy this beautiful summer day!