|
A Taoist story tells of an aged farmer. His horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, neighbors visited him. "Such bad luck," they spoke caringly. "Possibly," replied the farmer. The next morning the horse returned, bringing three other wild horses. The neighbors exclaimed, “How wonderful!" "Possibly," replied the farmer. The next day his son tried to ride one of the wild horses, was thrown, and broke a leg. The neighbors came to offer sympathy, saying, “Oh, friend! Such misfortune!” "Possibly," answered the farmer. The next day military officials came to the village to draft young men. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they did not enlist him. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well everything, after all, had turned out. "Possibly,” said the farmer.
Our estimation of what happens to us is often shaped by our feelings about it in the moment. Over time we learn that we cannot trust our feelings. Feelings are only one aspect of discernment and alone are unreliable. However, we often forget that and make decisions about what has happened to us based on our immediate emotions. Likewise, we can become despairing, depressed, apathetic, or discouraged by our estimation that something that has happened to us cannot turn out for good.
The Taoist story teaches us to live with equanimity. An apparent misfortune can be seen differently with time. Also, an apparent event of good fortune can be seen as a misfortune later.
Walking in the Spirit, which is what contemplative living is, provides tempering of the affections. Through this tempering, we are less likely to over-react to what appears as good fortune or misfortune.
The Christian view of Divine Providence places everything that happens to us in a positive context. In the Christian worldview, everything belongs as part of the material out of which God is working for good in our lives and world. This does not mean God makes everything happen, rather, Spirit uses all things for our ultimate good.
Living in love with God leads us to surrender to a Divine Providence that can turn any chaos into new creation. Indeed, our act of surrender is a sign of our deep love for the Spirit of Life and our trust in the love Spirit has for us.
And we know that God causes everything to work together [or, And we know that everything works together] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8.28, NLT)
Spiritual Exercise
1. Recall something that appeared a misfortune but which you now see was a helpful part of God shaping you to be the person you are now. Give gratitude to God for that apparent misfortune turning out for your good.
2. How might contemplative living be practice in responding to all life with an awareness of Divine Providence working in and through everything for good?
3. What is the relationship between Practicing the Presence of God and Divine Providence?
4. What role does a daily practice of contemplative prayer have in tempering our emotions?
5. Is there any experience you are undergoing now that you need to surrender to the povidential Grace of God? Will you do that now?
A Prayer
Thank You, Lord Jesus,
that you will be our hiding place
whatever happens.
*Corrie Ten Boom
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spirtual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, call Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at 863-285-9059 or send a mail to briankwilcox@comcast.net .
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
|
