This summer as a part of our newsletter, I have been continuing to share a new spiritual practice each week. We as active church members are often good at living out our faith in a church setting, or even in a group setting, but are less comfortable living it out in our personal lives. This week I invite you to try the spiritual practice of borrowing something.
Now you may be thinking: wait, how the heck is borrowing a tool supposed to help my spirituality? Well, let me explain. This practice is for anyone who wants a simple way to engage meaningfully with neighbors, and who is open to an experience of being vulnerable by being served rather than serving others. Christians generally see themselves as being called to serve others, but the Christian life is one of mutuality and vulnerability, which means that we are called to be served by others as well. If you remember our Gospel text from this past Sunday, you will recall that Jesus commissions his disciples to go out into new places and receive the hospitality of others. This practice allows you to be on the receiving end of hospitality, in a small but significant way.
Here is how this practice works: Recognize a need for something simple: a tool, a rake, an egg, a cup of milk. Next, kindly ask a neighbor if you can borrow it from them.
Then, thank your neighbor. It is as simple as that. If you are feeling up for it, this is also a wonderful opportunity to get to know your neighbor and strike up conversation.
Afterwards, notice how it feels to be served. Write down your reflections or share them with someone. And lastly, pray for your neighbor, thanking God for them, and for all those who serve us every day in ways we do not even realize.
Joyful Life Lutheran Church 