Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
The Message
​
It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!
Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.
By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.


After more than a year of in person community being limited to screens and small gatherings, I've been craving more in person community connection. I'm so grateful for my soul friends - near and far - online and in person! And, I always long for more of those strands because I know I'm better together than alone.  And I'm not alone in that. In listening during spiritual direction sessions, I have heard many prayers muttered for more authentic in person connection. Maybe you've missed your small group or worship. Maybe you've missed your in person yoga class or book club. Whatever it is you've been missing most, let that help you re-enter more purposefully into community connection. Let the longings help you find or sustain authentic connection! 

This season of disconnection has helped many of us realize how important connection is in our lives (and to realize what relationships may not have been fruitful too)! We've found ways to connect or stay connected. But what will return to your schedule and what won't? What authentic relationships do you need to continue or what do you need to let go of? God created us for community, not to live life solo! Scripture reminds us, we're better together. Who are you doing life with?

I'm so grateful through our Peace Seekers Community I've been able to hold space for authentic connection near and far in this past year online! Many of us are now pondering how to authentically show up after such a long season of being tucked safely behind our screens. I've pondered this for myself and have created some journaling prompts for you below.

Consider these journaling prompts:

• Who are you in purposeful community with (who do you prioritize time with that you share common interests or goals)?
• Who are you connected with based on vicinity (who are your neighbors, co-workers, or others you spend time with based on your location or schedule)?
• How do they serve you (how does being around these people make you a better person, or does it)? 
• How do you serve them (how do you help these people)?
• How do you meet God there (is faith a common denominator, do you see God at work among this group)?
• How do you serve God there (in what ways are you shining God's light and allowing others to see God through you)?
• Is there space on your calendar for discovering new soul friends or community that fills you up and cares for your soul? 
• If your calendar is crowded, what might you release in order to cultivate your soul care more purposefully?
• What might the answers to these questions allow you to notice about how you long to spend your time in community and connection with others? What are you longing for in regards to community and connection? 
• Who has supported you in the past in your faith journey? Pause with the meditation below to imagine their faces and give thanks for your community, past and present. 

We pondered these questions in our online community this week and it made us more grateful for purposeful soul friends. If you're looking for authentic connection, consider joining us there. 

Last week I wrote about what a Rule of Life is, an opportunity to discover your own routine with God and seek wisdom for how you long to order your days. 

It's also important to know what it isn't. A Rule of Life isn't a compilation of what you hope to accomplish or achieve, it's not your goals list or your vision board. But a Rule of Life does help you find a rhythm for the life you long to live and may intersect with these. Crafting (and living) your rule may even help you reach your personal or professional goals and dreams! 

So, how do you begin? There are several published books and even free resources on the web to guide you in creating a very detailed rule for your life (I'll share links for those in our Peace Seekers Community this Friday, January 29th). In the meantime, I invite you to keep it simple! Start brainstorming the habits you long to cultivate as well as things you're already doing that help you live your best life with God.

Consider talking with your spiritual director or seek out a spiritual friend to help you process and notice what's important to you in this season of your life. It's not uncommon to be overwhelmed by too many goals or resolutions at the start of a year, setting ourselves up for disappointment. Remember, your Rule of Life isn't a resolution list, it's an invitation to live your whole life with God. I've found simple is best for me when cultivating my Rule of Life. Try using the categories I am currently using below (God, Self, Creation, Companions) or create your own and jot down the habits you long to cultivate for each. This is a work in progress, one you can grow into with God.

So grab a pencil or start a note in our phone to brainstorm the habits that help you find the rhythm you long for, ones that draw you nearer to your Creator. Do you long to pray or meditate daily, move your body a certain number of times per week, get outside more, connect with loved ones on a regular basis? Once you've recognized your longings and habits, you can begin to cultivate your own rhythm and routine for purposefully living an embodied life with God. 

Want to see examples from my own Rule of Life tomorrow? There's a seven day free trial to join our community, click here to join us. 

Three times I have started this post and three times I have erased my thoughts.

Why? It is difficult to capture the spirit of the Goose in a blog post.

Wild Goose = Spirit. Justice. Music. Art.

Actually, I do not believe it is possible to clearly capture this experience with a journalistic wrap-up blog post. The people I met and shared stories with have inspired my life with God. I feel free. I feel inspired. I feel encouraged. I feel called to action. Rather than words upon words. I'll simply say this,  Namaste, y'all.

I see you.

Your light. God's light in you. All of you. Each and every one of you. God is here among us. I'm certain of it.

To share the spirit of the Wild Goose Festival 2017, scroll through some of the images below and let's chat about it. Ever been to the Wild Goose Festival? What do you experience there? Where else do you experience freedom and encouragement on your journey with God? And in the presence of God's Spirit?