… continuing thoughts on transition from full-time work to retirement.
Even as I downsize the library I have collected and maintained over several decades of ministry, I contemplate how I will maintain an inquisitive and searching mind that is keen, not only to store information, but apply an accumulation of knowledge and experience in that unique formulation that approximates wisdom.
It’s not only the books, some of which today I snuck back having disposed of, but the memories, conversations and transformations to which they contribute, that make the continuing journey towards wisdom enticing.
It will be important to keep this going when I hang up my boots in June. I’m in three book groups now. I’ll keep going to two. I’ll keep abreast of reading in my focus area of spirituality, with an emphasis on the Christian tradition. I’ll sign up for an online course for something I’ve never done before. I’ll maintain my practice as a Spiritual Director where I continue to learn so much from those I accompany. I’ll be open to speaking and workshop engagements should they fall my way. Indeed I’ll maintain an open stance to any possibility that arises.
In fact, perhaps the basis of wisdom is simply paying attention! May curiosity continue to be a sharp and active trait.
At its best, tradition is like a tall sailing ship, navigating the uncharted narrow shoals of postmodern times. Its cargo is the virtues and values that create civilisation. From time to time, its crew has found it necessary to discard outdated, redundant and no longer serviceable jetsam. To navigate unknown shallow waters, the art of “kedging” or “warping” is applied. A dinghy rows forward a small anchor attached to a hawser while simultaneously sounding the depths. The mother ship then hauls itself forward. Rinse and repeat. In this way, the good ship “Tradition” makes its way forward through brave new worlds. When done well, such tall ships are feted and celebrated. (I am indebted to Leonard Sweet and his book, Aquachurch (Group Publishing, 1999) for this helpful concept.)
Across the spectrum of Christian spiritual tradition, from the sacramental to the puritan, fragrance has described the beauty and intimacy of connection with the Divine.
The Hebrew word dabar speaks of the spoken word that is also an action, hence the Creator “spoke” the universe into being, and the fourth gospel writer, blending both Hebrew and Greek consciousness, points to the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. What word (or Word) lies dormant within you and me?
A friend last week reminded me of the time, some years ago, I saw myself as a boundary rider, looking for and mending holes in fences. It probably suited my maverick-like approach to my work, seeking to be a part of but apart from the communities in which I participated.
