In a karate class, students are practicing individually, with the most serious punches and the fiercest kicks . . . while the teacher floats above the floor with consummate skill and artistry, free of any trace of seriousness or antagonism. In the earlier phase of the spiritual life, we are mainly seeking for value, striving to do what we should, and struggling forward; though we have moments of worship, I call this the life of prayer. I am defining prayer as seeking for value and worship as celebrating value. In the next phase of the spiritual life, the dominant experience is celebrating value, whether we are worshipping; our prayer, seeking, striving, and struggling is uplifted by a confident and joyous knowing of the presence of the Friend–this is the life of worship.
(1) wikimedia commons/Axentowicz The Anchorite.jpg (2) Polish tobacco farmers, Connecticut. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53649358
Thank you very much, Jeff, for this. It occurs to me that this alternating cycle of struggle and celebration/joy is not just limited to our material life, but will also be a component of our universe ascension. Somehow I find comfort in this knowledge.
It is “okay” to feel mediocre at times as those are moments when God is most accessible. When we humble ourselves before God acknowledging our shortcomings, we are lifted up by Him even more, as a loving father would constantly guide and encourage his children.
Thank you for your participation and contribution, Mahtab. Your thought nicely expands what I was able to say.
Thank you very much, Jeff, for this. It occurs to me that this alternating cycle of struggle and celebration/joy is not just limited to our material life, but will also be a component of our universe ascension. Somehow I find comfort in this knowledge.
It is “okay” to feel mediocre at times as those are moments when God is most accessible. When we humble ourselves before God acknowledging our shortcomings, we are lifted up by Him even more, as a loving father would constantly guide and encourage his children.
Thank you for your participation and contribution, Mahtab. Your thought nicely expands what I was able to say.