By Kat Goheen of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Become a people of the Temple—those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict but extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing.
Grinding several days’ worth of decaf coffee at a time is a consistent ritual of mine—appreciating the consistency of the commercial-grade grinder, feeling gratitude for learning to enjoy the simplicity of decaf, anticipating the comfort I will receive in brewing these cups in the days to come. It is a ritual, not usually a spiritual practice.
But today as I filled the small container for a second time, I noticed the fluffy granules of coffee floating upward, attaching themselves to the funnel they had just traveled down in defiance of gravity. Like magnetism, like static, they clung with a kind of longing, and I saw myself in their motion. On the bright side, I am also drawn upward toward the arms of the Beloved, and against the assumptions of intellect; and I joyfully throw myself upward into space. On the shadow side, I sometimes long to return to where I came from and not journey into the next phase of my growth. I cling rather than allow.
This surprising movement of coffee granules moves me deep into my heart to contemplate its pattern and flow. May my movements be governed by grace and generosity, and may they lead to comfort for those around me.
Prayer Phrase
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Spiritual Practice
Overflowing Generosity
Spend five minutes thinking deeply about how God has shared abundantly with you in very specific ways. Where do you see God’s abundant generosity in your life? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for these blessings. Now, reminded of these blessings, think about how you can bless others. In what ways can God’s abundant generosity overflow from you to others? What specific blessing will you share with another this day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.