Imagining What Is Next.
What Inspires You?
When I attended my first Synod, I was shocked to discover the number of people who were knitting!
To be fair—these were not just observers, and it was not just women. “Equal opportunity” was alive and well—even in 1970. With this observation my thoughts were fairly conservative of what would be appropriate behavior at a Synod of the Anglican Church.
As clergy and laity, we often find ourselves at a crossroads of what is, and what is not, possible in the deep sense of theological reflection.
When I was at seminary, I discovered an interest in cross-stitch—a fine art of needlework which involves counting and stitching. I discovered it to actually be a way to “practice thought”—a method to reflect on imagining—an opportunity to reflect on new thoughts and ideas.
Prince Rivers, editor for Alban at Duke Divinity: “When you are inspired, your passion becomes contagious, motivating your congregation to deepen their faith and engage more fully in their spiritual journey. Inspired leaders lead inspiring organizations. Where will you find your next source of inspiration?”
The “inspiration” for this Focus came when I was reading an article about knitting in church. The writer shared how “holding natural fabrics between her fingers…makes her feel more incarnate.”
“Working with our hands while listening” can invoke real images of what is being shared—in the prayers, the sermon, the consecration of the gifts at the altar. I understand how some may find this uncomfortable, or awkward to observe. At the same time, the rhythmic sense of the repeated “pearl one, knit two” can stimulate.
I think about my mother, standing at the table, kneading a LARGE batch of bread dough—big enough to yield 10 to 12 loaves! With the rhythm of that kneading, she would “think about what would be next”, or plan for a future family event. She was not counting the number of times she had turned the dough, to knead “one more time.”
Richard Topping in referring to his hobby of bird photography, reflected how “waiting for that special moment can be a chance to focus—be still.” He observed that to get that special moment one needs to become part of the surroundings.
It is like a retreat. However, I have observed that many recent retreats have not been about “retreating.” They have been more about doing. They have been activity filled. We, as a society, have become obsessed with “doing.” It is difficult to simply stop and let the world happen.
To imagine “what is next” and “to be inspired,” we need to expand our imagination. My first thoughts for this week had a title of “imagination.” My challenge is to imagine what could be.
Take time this week to imagine and allow it to inspire you.
Blessings,
Archdeacon Brian+
