The Contemplative Womb
As we spend time listening to God who abides within us, and as we grow more deeply connected and rooted in this Divine presence, we inevitably begin to experience a natural longing to fly beyond that initial experience of being formed within. This may be surprising to some who consider themselves contemplatives and lovers of the “inner life” experience. Yet, if we are meeting God in the place where we come to know ourselves more deeply, the nudge to fly will inevitably come. This longing will arise from someplace within that feels life giving, like a fullness of time, ready to deliver. It is never an “added-on activity that feels like an obligation whose opening line is “I really should…” Rather this call will be a way to live out the truth and grace implanted within you at the beginning of time.
I used to imagine God would call me out someday to be a missionary somewhere that I didn’t want to go. But none of that would have felt natural or right. It would have been cloaked in dread, fear, and some level of heartache, not because being a missionary is a bad thing, but because it wasn’t where God was calling me to go. Discerning that contemplative calling into the world is where we learn to abide together. It will lead to a uniquely designed expression for every person willing to rest in the contemplative womb long enough to hear the Divine voice of “deep calling to deep.” It will feel core to your identity, something planted within that God has asked you to tend…something that you will come to feel you can’t not do. It compels you out of yourself and into the world. If you haven’t arrived at the place, that’s because it’s not time. The chick can’t hatch before it’s time. There is inner work still to come, forming and feeding of the soul.
What are you finding within the contemplative womb in your relationship with God? Are you still exploring your own story, incubating in the warmth of lavish love? Or are you ready to fledge, to soar on faith wings? Wherever you are is the perfect place to be. No need to push yourself into a program for progress.
Working with a spiritual director can be a path to experiencing and discerning the inner work and the outer call. I am accepting new directees and would be honored to talk with you and walk with you on your journey. Send me an email and we’ll make plans to connect and abide together on your path.
