I'm doing my best to tune out a talk show blasting from a neighbor's kitchen. A nonstop rant on Tax Day and the outrage of organized government. I'm all for critical thinking - but is this kind of radio anything like critical thinking? I hear not a whiff of humility, self-examination. Blame and self-righteousness. I guess all this sells cars and hamburgers. But I've got a headache. There's got to be more to a Thursday than noise. It seems that the poppies agree.
Which brings me to this afternoon's road trip. For the first time, Kate and I are signed up for a shared contemplative retreat. While each of us cares very much about soul care and reflection, we've never signed on together for a facilitated contemplative retreat. We leave the neighbor's radio behind, most of the noise, and find a space for prayer, grace and silence. Together. With others who share the thirst.
I'm intrigued. What happens when we entrust our marriage to the silent One, to the deep One, to the holy One? What might it mean for our relationship to take on a contemplative practice, rhythm, depth? To be honest, there aren't a whole lot of models out there. Relationships rooted in fearlessness beyond the worries of day to day life. Marriages offered day by day to the mystery of grace. I'm intrigued and ready for this weekend's retreat. And I'm excited about a new glimpse of what's possible in marriage and love and maybe even family life.
God, bless this Thursday, and those amazing poppies, and a couple on the road to silence.
