I am a later-in-life mom: My Guy and I adopted a newborn baby girl in 2009, when I was 45 years old. Little Bird is of Vietnamese and African-American descent and is the pint-sized love of my life.
I am a recovering lawyer: long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I went to law school, practiced law, and hated it. So I stopped doing that.
I am an unapologetic Episcopalian: I love the smells and bells of the liturgy, without the guilt.
I am a Christian contemplative: I have practiced centering prayer, a method of silent meditation drawn from the Christian tradition, for over ten years. Religion is now no longer merely a belief system for me. It is an inner awareness of God’s unconditional love for myself and for the entire human family. We are all invited to the banquet — no exceptions.
I am a Christian and recovering lawyer too! Looking forward to reading more of your lovely blog
Thanks for stopping in, Mama J! I’m always glad to see other recovering lawyers/Christians!
Hi. I’ve been perusing the web for months looking for a blog like this. I’m struggling to find the silence required for Orthodox christian prayer, working toward the development of what is known as discernment. I sometimes feel that as a mother I have relinquished my right to that effort, that my desire for spiritual knowledge is simply selfish, and that motherhood (three gorgeous children seven and under) is my trial of service to others. Other times I feel that I best serve my children by keeping myself centered and focused on the goal. See, I need discernment!
In short, my question to anyone who may have insight: is it appropriate for mother of young children to have any desire for the quality of prayer and communion with the spirit described by the monastics, or am I in the wrong “season.”