UNEDITED
How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? - Jn 5:31-47
In today's gospel, Jesus' courage and conviction inspire me to stand up for what I believe in, speak out against injustice and oppression, bear witness to his works, and share his message with others. Jesus encourages me to reflect on how I am called to share God's love and grace in this season of my life, not only through words but hopefully through my actions and the way I live, as well as how I show up for my key relationships. It asks me to dig deep and ask what I say "yes" to and if it aligns with my values and mirrors what I offer to this world - family, friends, community, church, etc.
Earlier this year, I realized I only journaled if it was on retreat or when I wrote a reflection for Lent or Advent. And when I recalled how I felt during those moments of journaling, it was most often filled with peace and connection. Journaling is a form of self-care for me to be tethered and attuned to how God speaks to me. Yet, in my everyday life, journaling kept being pushed to the back burner behind other responsibilities, commitments, or priorities that took more of a center-stage presence. I was yearning to create a more sustainable practice and identify the blockers in my way. I bought an Examen Journal with four daily prompts and consciously tried to write something down, even if it was one or two sentences or sometimes a word. I gave myself permission that it did not have to be grandiose, not my best penmanship, unedited, and focused solely on what was most important that day.
Leaving my journal in the middle of my kitchen has been a visible reminder for me to attend to each day and a way to praise God whenever I can as I am. I pray the Examen with my family, but there has been another element about writing it down where it reinforces me to look at specific patterns and areas where I am struggling with God in my day. Quite often, more than not, it is when I am feeling overwhelmed or lacking rest. What gives me life is quality time with my loved ones, serving in any capacity, and work that evokes my creativity and quality of presence, or simply just being in the moment. Where God continues to invite me to is being more gentle and patient with myself. In the last three months, journaling has allowed me to put life on hold for three to four minutes every day to connect with God and see how God invites me to integrate prayer and life simultaneously and remain anchored in Him in the fullness of life.
Lord, how do You invite me to connect with You this season?
Tam Lontok