Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, for you I wait all day long.
Psalm 25:5
An important part of my faith journey has been learning to make space for the holy and divine.
I became a Christian in my mid-twenties and at the same time that I came to know and love Jesus as a friend to whom I could turn when I felt low and lost, I began to recognize the Goddess, who lets her presence be known in all manner of synchronicities and holds the feminine aspects in and of the world in high regard. As I follow astrology blogs and podcasts that shape my understanding, I let myself be humbled knowing that God – Creator of the Universe – has ordered the skies just as God has counted the hairs on my head.
While I’m only beginning to learn about the traditions of Buddhism and the Dharma, Mindfulness practice has helped me make space for the holy and divine. The practice allows me to notice if, for example, I’m ruminating or stuck in a thought-loop or –spiral. If I’m able to notice that, I can often choose to turn to my mind to the Creator. When I make this space, sometimes, I might even experience divine instruction or presence. All the problems or shame or indignation or worry I’m feeling might not disappear right then, but I can turn to what is holy – Jesus or the Holy Spirit, God or Goddess, sometimes with none of these unknowable forms but a breath – and know that I am watched over, that I am guided.
Creator, you are ever-present no matter how I perceive you. You are Good and through you I know that I am loved and counted, that you forgive my sins so I might live with my mind stayed on you with love for all your creation, that you offer help before I ask. I make space for you, holy One, even and especially in the times when I cannot do it on my own; you offer overflowing Grace, the Truth through which I hold and test my values, and the loving guidance so that I may live more faithfully.