Alan Fadling's Blog, page 53

Acedia: Help for the Weary Soul

In An Unhurried Life, I talked about an unholy form of unhurry the ancients called acedia. I said,

 

“Derived from the Greek a (for “not”) and keedos (meaning “to care”), acedia is ultimately a failure of love. It’s a place of apathy toward life and a kind of spiritual boredom; it’s that umpteenth lap somewhere between the enthusiasm of the starting line and the celebration of the finish line. Whether midday, midlife, halftime or halfway through a big project, we’re tempted to give in, give up or distract ourselves” (p. 41).

 

I think acedia has become a particularly big issue in this isolating season of COVID-19. There has been an element of monotony even in the midst of so much pain and crisis. Many of the leaders I meet with for spiritual direction or coaching describe themselves as deeply fatigued. That might be a simple matter of the physical, mental, and emotional drain from so much rapid change, but it also might have sunk into our wills as a kind of engagement weariness in the middle of everything.

 

Even as I write this little note, I’m celebrating my sixtieth birthday, which is also the one-year anniversary of when the COVID-19 shutdown began here in California. When it began, so many of us thought this stoppage would last only a few weeks, maybe a month or two at the most. It’s been a year now, and it’s still unclear what will happen next. What is a return to normal going to look like? When will that uncertain normal even arrive?

 

In the midst of my own temptations to lose heart and to let my weariness sit in the driver’s seat of my life, it’s been helpful to take moments and actually be still in the presence of the God of peace, who gives the gift of soul rest. Soul rest is what I’ve needed, and that’s different from the rest that comes from a nap, a good night’s sleep, or a vacation. Soul rest is personal and relational. My soul truly finds rest in God alone (Ps 62:1).

 

Knowing that acedia is a failure of love, we can learn to rest in the reliable love of the Father for us. We can let our souls rest even in the most restless settings or situations. I’ve been learning to translate isolating moments into solitary moments with God.

 

Acedia assumes that the grass actually will be greener anywhere other than my current situation. But love is here and love is now because the God of love is present to us here and now.

 

When we feel drawn to starting over, it’s good to ask ourselves whether this is indeed a life-giving invitation to something truly good and new. If we discover it’s actually more about escaping or avoiding, we eventually might find ourselves facing as many challenges as in the old place.

 

For Reflection

How have you been feeling weary in soul? What has that looked and felt like?
What might it look like for you to take even five minutes to sit still, be quiet, and let your soul rest in the presence of God? The first thing that will likely happen is a bunch of distracting thoughts, but don’t let that surface turbulence keep you from sinking down for a moment or two of soul rest in God’s loving and faithful presence.

 

Photo by Hasan Almasi on Unsplash

Podcast 175: Practices of a Healthy Church (Alan with Jason Feffer)

If you’re a follower of Christ, and most of you who listen to this podcast would likely describe yourself that way, a big part of that experience is church. The church is a gathering of fellow-students of Christ. The church is people. The church is a kind of kingdom outpost wherever it has been planted in the world.  

Today, I’m talking with Jason Feffer about the community he leads called The Practice. We talk about our experiences of church, and how God has been leading them to be together week to week. I’m looking forward to sharing that  conversation with you on today’s episode of the Unhurried Living podcast. 

Jason Feffer is an evangelist for the spiritual disciplines. For over twenty years he has been helping people follow Jesus in their everyday lives with his teaching and writing. He leads The Practice, a practice-based contemplative ministry at Willowcreek Church. Jason has a B.A. in Christian Education with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College and a M.A. in Ministry Leadership from George Fox Evangelical Seminary. He is husband to a beautiful wife, father to a couple of amazing sons, and he currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.

Connect with Jason on social:
Instagram at @jason.feffer
Facebook at @jason.feffer
Twitter at @practicetribe

 

Learn and experience some of these practices from The Practice Church on their YouTube Channel.

The Way of Love

A verse of scripture has been dancing around in the back of my mind for a while: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Profoundly simple, right? God could choose any word he wanted to describe himself, and the word he chose is love.

 

Love is paradoxically simple and complicated. I do not fully understand all the intricacies and dynamics of love, but I do know that in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul does a great job of giving us a peek into the heart of love. Phrase by phrase he paints a picture of what love is and what it isn’t.

 

Awhile back I spent time reading this passage in two different translations, just to soak a bit. I then added my personal paraphrase, which I offer to you here so that you also might reflect on love, remembering who God is and what God is like.

 

The Way of Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

For each line, the first phrase is the NIV, the second is the Message, and the third (in parentheses) is my application. 

Love is patient. It never gives up. (Keeps trying. Doesn’t walk away.)
Love is kind. It cares more for others than for self. (Not me, me, me. See others.)
Love does not envy. It doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. (I already have what I need.)
Love does not boast. It doesn’t strut. (True humility. Seeing myself rightly.)
Love is not proud. It doesn’t have a swelled head. (Seeing myself in light of God’s grace.)
Love does not dishonor others. It doesn’t force itself on others. (Not pushy. Not against. Let go.)
Love is not self-seeking. It isn’t always “me first.” (Take my turn in humility.)
Love is not easily angered. It doesn’t fly off the handle. (Listen first, not anger first.)
Love keeps no record of wrongs. It doesn’t keep score of the sins of others. (Drop my rocks and walk away.)
Love does not delight in evil. It doesn’t revel when others grovel. (Empathy with others’ low points.)
Love rejoices with the truth. It takes pleasure in the flowering of truth. (Loves what is real.)
Love always protects. It puts up with anything. (Super long fuse.)
Love always trusts. It trusts God always. (Focus is in the right place.)
Love always hopes. It always looks for the best. (Creatively positive and looks for wheat among the weeds.)
Love always perseveres. It never looks back, but keeps going to the end. (No regrets, no grudges, no fuming. In this for the long haul.)

 

For Reflection 

Which phrase do you connect with the most?
Which phrase is the most difficult to take in?
Which phrase gives you the most hope?
Which phrase do you want to hold in your heart this week?

 

God is love. This is the great truth. How will this inform your day?

 

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

Podcast 174: The Neuroscience of Creativity (Gem with Amy Pierson)

Today we find ourselves at the intersection of neuroscience and creativity  with my friend, Amy Pierson. Amy firmly believes that creativity cracks open the soul, each and every one of us is God’s favorite, and living artfully is living authentically.

Amy is a long time friend from the spiritual formation community. We met many years ago and have only been together in person a handful of times, but she is the kind of person that you simply pick up where you left off the last time. Intelligent, soulful and with a twinkle in her eye, Amy believes in the importance of expressing our creativity. 

With a degree in Journalism and Advertising, Amy Pierson has worked for many years in the spiritual formation arena, leading the efforts of the Spiritual Formation Alliance, and completing her Certificate of Christian Spiritual Formation from the Renovare Institute. Amy also served as a digital content creator for a digital platform that champions organizations transforming lives. Most recently, Amy desired to collaborate with others, and Burning Heart Workshops was borne out of her life-long journey with faith, learning, and leadership. Amy lives with her husband and family in Colorado.

Learn more from Amy and connect with her on social media:
Instagram @amypiepie
Facebook @amy.h.pierson

Enjoy a free resource by Amy about entitled "Creative Integration: Inspiration of (W)Holeness) by signing up on our website. If you’ve downloaded free podcast bonuses before, you can access this one and all previous resources by signing on to your Unhurried Living library. Enjoy

 

Presence and Silence

Recently, I’ve restarted my daily practice of silent prayer. Like many who try this practice, I feel an immense amount of resistance arising within me against my intention. But that’s not a good reason to avoid the practice. What we truly and deeply desire is often quite different from what we prefer or feel like doing in a particular, narrow little moment.

 

What seems to work for me is to set a 25-minute timer on my smartphone and then turn it facedown so I’m not distracted about time. I choose a comfortable seat in our library, and I try to sit up straight and relaxed.

 

Concentrating on my inhaling and exhaling helps to focus my attention. In time with my breathing, I like to repeat in my mind the phrases of the Jesus Prayer rooted in the Orthodox tradition:

 

Inhale: Lord Jesus Christ
Exhale: Son of the Living God
Inhale: Have mercy on me
Exhale: A sinner

 

Often I find that my mind has wandered, and I have to gently and graciously return to my practice. That’s part of the training. Distracting thoughts are inevitable when we are still and silent, but it’s good if our first moment of prayer is listening rather than speaking.

 

I find encouragement for this practice in a line of scripture that comes from the prophet Habakkuk:

 The Lord is in his holy temple;

let all the earth be silent before him. (2:20)

 

It helps to recognize that Habakkuk is talking to people who have a habit of worshiping idols. Everyday people just like you and me. Our idol worship may not involve a physical statue or anything like that, but people are often idol factories.

 

Just before Habakkuk’s call to silence before God, he asks,

 What profit is an idol

              when its maker has shaped it,

              a metal image, a teacher of lies?

For its maker trusts in his own creation

              when he makes speechless idols.

Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;

              to a silent stone, Arise!

Can this teach?

Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,

              and there is no breath at all in it. (2:18-19 ESV)

 

Habakkuk’s urging that we be silent before the true God is the opposite of idolatry. Instead of creating our own gods, we acknowledge in silence that we are the ones who have been created. Instead of us giving value to our gods, our God gives value to us. Instead of using our energy to create inert gods, we quietly and humbly acknowledge that God makes us and sustains us with a powerful word.

 

Habakkuk is saying, “Be quiet. Stop talking to idols as if they can hear you. The Lord is the one who speaks. Be quiet and listen to him.”

 

This is the purpose of silence. It is a place to stop talking and begin listening. We don’t listen enough these days. Too often we talk at God or to ourselves or past one another. How powerful it would be if our words were more rooted in humble, silent listening.

 

For Reflection

What would happen if you found a comfortable place to sit and were quiet and still for five minutes? Would you be okay?
How might it help you to learn that rather than being your thoughts, you are a person who has thoughts?

Photo by Michael L on Unsplash

Podcast 173: After Doubt (Alan with A. J. Swoboda)

If you were to walk around our neighborhood these days, you’d see a number of homes that are being remodeled. Some of the work is so extensive that no one is living in those homes while the work is being done. But the goal is, of course, to rebuild those houses so that they can become homes again. 

Many of us are experiencing what some have called the “deconstruction of faith.” Something that made sense and worked before doesn’t seem to anymore. The constructions of faith that we were given aren’t as perfect as we once thought they were. But the goal of deconstruction, in this case, isn’t to destroy the home. It is to rebuild it. Where will our trust in God finds its new home?

Recently, I had a very encouraging conversation with my friend, A. J. Swoboda about his latest book titled After Doubt. It’s a beautiful invitation into the sorts of reconstruction that many of us need and into which God is graciously inviting us. 

A. J. Swoboda is assistant professor of Bible, theology, and world Christianity at Bushnell University. He also leads a Doctor of Ministry program around the Holy Spirit and leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of a number of books, including the award-winning Subversive Sabbath. He is married to Quinn and is the proud father of Elliot. They live and work in Eugene, Oregon.

Enjoy getting to know A. J. better via social at:
Facebook @theajswoboda
Twitter @mrajswoboda

 

You can get a free chapter of A.J.’s book, After Doubt by signing up on our website. If you’ve downloaded free podcast bonuses before, you can access this one and all previous resources by signing on to your Unhurried Living library. Enjoy!

The Fullness of God

Your first tooth . . . your first day of kindergarten . . . your first car . . . your first kiss . . . your first home. Life is full of firsts. We spend our lifetime taking first steps that lead to growing up and maturing into functioning adults.

 

Along the way, our souls are taking first steps as well. The first time we heard about God. The first time we heard the name of Jesus. The first time we saw an answer to prayer. The first time we acted to care for another on Christ’s behalf. And, yes, the first time it all came crashing down around us.

 

My earliest memory of having thoughts about God is asking my mom, “How did we get washing machines?” She told me that God gave people the ideas to create the things we would need in our lives. Her response was priceless because she was the first person in my life to specifically point to God.

 

So my first ideas about God were that he exists, he sees us, and he wants to help us. Pretty practical stuff. He sees me.

 

A few years later, I sat at a table in the tiny kitchen of a little house in a very small town. I was 12 years old, and the woman who had invited me to her home worked with the youth at our local church. She and her husband were quiet, steady, humble, loving people. She shared with me about Jesus, and she asked if I wanted Jesus in my life. I told her I did, and so we prayed together.

 

I didn’t truly know what I was doing that day. I’m sure something real happened in me, but I don’t remember any profound feeling. Looking back, however, I know this: Jesus had me. He knows me.

 

I had taken another step on what continues to be a lifelong journey of walking with God. I am still learning the depths of his love and care.

 

Many years after sitting at that little kitchen table, I attended a seminar led by a group of men who wanted us to know how much Jesus loves us. They read from John 15, and certain phrases leapt out at me:

 

Remain in me.

Apart from me you can do nothing.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.

I have called you friends.

You did not choose me, but I chose you.

Love each other.

 

These words opened me to a new way of perceiving the love and care of God the Father and his Son, Jesus. I had read the Gospel of John before, but until that day these words had not penetrated my heart. He loves me.

 

Each of these encounters has deepened the journey that the Lord continues to walk with me. He let me know he was there at a very young age, and along the way he has provided people who act as pointers of the Way.

 

He’s had me in his process the whole time. I am still in-process, and I expect more layers of his love and presence will open to me as I go on walking with him.

 

If we pay attention, we will find that God is always initiating toward us. We can respond and continue to become more and more like him over the course of our lives.

 

Wherever you may find yourself in this journey with Jesus, my prayer is that you will take the step of embracing the love that he is extending toward you right here, right now.

 

You are seen. You are known. You are loved.

 

For Reflection  

Ponder these verses: “With both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:18-19 Message).
How does God’s fullness reach you today?

 

Photo by Oli Woodman on Unsplash

Podcast 172: The Art of Letting Go (Gem with Marla Christian)

Letting go is hard, isn’t it? For most of us, it’s about admitting that we aren’t in control, and that is difficult. My dear friend, Marla Christian, is with me today and we’re going to talk about the freedom of releasing our grip on people and circumstances. 

Marla has long been a part of the Al Anon community and I have learned so much from her about letting go. I can’t wait for you to learn from her. 

Marla Christian is the CFO of Corporate Benefit Planners a business-to-consumer insurance agency that delivers Web-based, insurance information to individuals, families and small businesses. She also works at an import company in sales. For 16 years, Marla served in the high school ministry of a mega-church, and she is currently an active member and Sponsor in 12-step programs.

 

Download the worksheet, "The Practice of Unpacking", Gem mentions in this episode by signing up on our website. If you’ve downloaded free podcast bonuses before, you can access this one and all previous resources by signing on to your Unhurried Living library. Enjoy!

Podcast 171: Unhindered Abundance (Alan with Ken Baugh)

I want to read some familiar words from the scriptures that I think have special relevance to the situation in which we find ourselves these day. Jesus is speaking, and says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, [they] will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 

I really appreciate that last line. The life Jesus has come to announce to us and make available to us is meant to be abundance. But we’re living in a season that has called into question so many of the ways we had been measuring “the good life.” 

Today, I’m talking with Ken Baugh about his new book, Unhindered Abundance. I think you’ll find help for how to enter more deeply into the very good life to which you’ve been invited. 

Learn from and connect with Ken on social:
Instagram @ken.baugh
Facebook @pastorkenbaugh
Twitter @PastorKenBaugh

 

You can get a free chapter of Ken's book, "Unhindered Abundance", by signing up on our website. If you’ve downloaded free podcast bonuses before, you can access this one and all previous resources by signing on to your Unhurried Living library. Enjoy!

The Loving Embrace of God

Many years ago, on a typical summer day, Alan arrived home from work. As was his habit, he came to me for a welcome-home hug.

Our oldest son, then just three years old, came running up to us yelling, “Wait! I want to be in your love!”

He then proceeded to squeeze between us as we embraced, creating a hug sandwich with him as the filling. I will never forget that moment…or that phrase: I want to be in your love.

Over the years I have grown tired of my own inner dialogue—whether I am doing the right things, being the right things, saying the right things, accomplishing the right things. And not simply in regard to my outer work life but also my inner spiritual life. I have worn myself out with shoulds and ought-tos.

I think this is highlighted by the reality of decision fatigue. There are just so many options in our lives. For example, I was recently shopping for toothpaste and found myself perturbed that I had to decide between whitening formula, cavity protection, sensitive teeth, deep action, or repair and protect. Too many options. I just want to brush my teeth!

What my heart truly seeks is peace. What it truly seeks is love. My simple, sighing prayer is, “I just want to be in Your love.”

Might that be your prayer too?

Reflection  

Underneath the clamor of your own mind and the droning on of decisions awaiting you down every grocery aisle—what is your simple prayer?
How does your heart long for God’s love?