In early March, I was able to visit Taizé with one of my teammates. Taizé is an ecumenical monastic order in France. Catholic and Protestant backgrounds are represented and they provide a space for retreat. There is prayer 3 times a day with a diverse international community, a daily lecture, small discussion groups and specialized evening workshops. The comfortable environment for honest and challenging conversations really impressed me. In the summer, their capacity can reach 6,000 people! We were with a group of about 250. My teammate and I were even able to meet a Hungarian brother! The setting was stunning. I would invite others to go just for the opportunity to stand in front of that view.
Something I took away from my time at Taizé was that value of slowing down to quietly spend time with God. This is not what someone has to do to connect with God, but I know this is a way that God has created me to connect with Him.
As I sat in front of an outstanding farm field one afternoon, I spent time contemplating with God. I thought about the action of mercy and the function of joy. I thought about how we are created, and how outrageous it is that we can express what is in our brain by using voice boxes and tongue and breath and understand through the sounds our ears send to our brains to make sense of. I thought about the idea that God made us beings that can rest, and can be restored from that. I admired the elaborate beauty of that moment. I felt gifted with the opportunity to look in front of me and see God’s creation, and be able to praise Him for it. To actually acknowledge Him for the beauty that was in front of me that I so often take for granted. Shining sun, cool breeze, green grass, grey rocks and blue hills. Squiggling trees and rickety fences. Rustic home, leveled on steep hills. Simple yet elegant, with character and an almost inspiring minimalistic wisdom.
Often times I tell myself that resting is a waste of time. In this moment, it felt like the most life giving need and most obvious gift from God. A life-giving display of God’s Glory.
Back in the buildings new acquaintances were able to come together and exchange stories, questions that used to feel foolish, and drink a lot of tea.
I was astounded by how action focused Micah 6:8 is. When I think about Mercy, Humility and Justice, I think we can be merciful and humble and that we can be enlightened to what is just or unjust. But the truth is, these things mean nothing without action.
Micah 6:8 says,
“Love mercy, act justly and walk humbly with our God.”
Abundant forgiveness is to love mercy. Justice is only present when our actions reflect just living. Humility isn’t a passive, self-eliminating idea. It is so accurately pictured in the idea of walking with God. Looking to God for guidance and awe instead of ourselves. He uses us and even loves us! Our humility comes from our acknowledgment of God’s Glory and incredible love for us.
“The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
I thank God for my time to rediscover God’s gift to acknowledge His presence in rest and reunion.