I have been actively fighting fear by being present since my medical emergency last year, and as I approach the anniversary of that event, the fear starts to speak more loudly. But I continue to tell myself that I am here. Now. Still. I will live each moment I'm given because the next one is not certain. Some days I am more confident about that than others.
I've had this same feeling lately after welcoming two littles into our home while their dad is getting back on his feet. Crazy! Exhausting! What happened to all my time??? But when I look out the kitchen window and the 3-year-old is floating sticks in the spring stream that trickles through our woods and his 4-year-old sister is practicing cartwheels on the front lawn, I am overwhelmed by a divine sensation of perfection. That this is EXACTLY what we are supposed to be doing. More than anything, it has taught me to live in the moment. I cannot possibly foretell what the future will bring for us or them, so I am forced to trust God for what I cannot see or anticipate. And that is enough.
Shawn, this was so beautiful to read. I can’t wait to come check your place out!
I’m working on staying present to myself in a somewhat lonely season in a new place. I think a lot of good art and creativity can be unleashed here but the temptation is to distract myself.
Man... I just cannot say how inspiring this all is. I'm excited for you and Maile, and can't wait to ABUSE my wallet on your hopefully-coming online store.
In the meantime, can you recommend the best translation of Crime and Punishment? I'd like to order it from you.
Thanks, Seth :) I did some quick research (I'm not a translation expert myself, and I've only read the McDuff translation from Penguin), but as I was looking around I found a lot of interest in the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation. Let me know if you'd like that one or have someone else in mind.
"After the show we went with her to the student union and had late night tacos and talked about life and taking chances and always keeping your calling square in front of you. In other words, not always taking the easy route. In other words, not following the money (all the time)." <- Love this!!!
And so much yes to the idea of 'divine ambush'! Surely His goodness and mercy hunt us down and overtake us all the days of our life...
Thank you for sharing these honest writings Shawn, they are a blessing and very refreshing to read. May your new bookstore be blessed!
This whole piece was just what I needed to hear and be reminded of. This line was especially fabulous, "But fear is a sneaky little flea that keeps looking for bare flesh, any sensitive place it can bite." Thank you!
The wild, fearful, exhilarating moment commitment takes us into the stomach drop and the rollercoaster’s drop… we’re so grateful for your sharing the ongoing story of pursuing calling with Maile and your troop.
Congratulations! Both on the book store, and for mentioning three of my favorite spiritual writers in one post! 😂
Ha! I'll see if I can get four in next time :)
It's okay, if you'd thrown Nouwen in there, I might've passed out into my morning coffee. 😊 Can't wait to visit Nook in August!
Nouwen definitely would have been the most likely fourth mention.
Um, can I get in on that visit?
Of course! I guess I was just sort of picturing you there. 😂 Morning of August 3!
I have been actively fighting fear by being present since my medical emergency last year, and as I approach the anniversary of that event, the fear starts to speak more loudly. But I continue to tell myself that I am here. Now. Still. I will live each moment I'm given because the next one is not certain. Some days I am more confident about that than others.
That first year anniversary must be an interesting marker to approach, Lisa.
I've had this same feeling lately after welcoming two littles into our home while their dad is getting back on his feet. Crazy! Exhausting! What happened to all my time??? But when I look out the kitchen window and the 3-year-old is floating sticks in the spring stream that trickles through our woods and his 4-year-old sister is practicing cartwheels on the front lawn, I am overwhelmed by a divine sensation of perfection. That this is EXACTLY what we are supposed to be doing. More than anything, it has taught me to live in the moment. I cannot possibly foretell what the future will bring for us or them, so I am forced to trust God for what I cannot see or anticipate. And that is enough.
Thanks for sharing that, Meadow.
Shawn, this was so beautiful to read. I can’t wait to come check your place out!
I’m working on staying present to myself in a somewhat lonely season in a new place. I think a lot of good art and creativity can be unleashed here but the temptation is to distract myself.
Jon, thanks so much for reading. I'm sure your move has introduced all sorts of new things to explore. We really should catch up soon.
Man... I just cannot say how inspiring this all is. I'm excited for you and Maile, and can't wait to ABUSE my wallet on your hopefully-coming online store.
In the meantime, can you recommend the best translation of Crime and Punishment? I'd like to order it from you.
Thanks, Seth :) I did some quick research (I'm not a translation expert myself, and I've only read the McDuff translation from Penguin), but as I was looking around I found a lot of interest in the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation. Let me know if you'd like that one or have someone else in mind.
"After the show we went with her to the student union and had late night tacos and talked about life and taking chances and always keeping your calling square in front of you. In other words, not always taking the easy route. In other words, not following the money (all the time)." <- Love this!!!
And so much yes to the idea of 'divine ambush'! Surely His goodness and mercy hunt us down and overtake us all the days of our life...
Thank you for sharing these honest writings Shawn, they are a blessing and very refreshing to read. May your new bookstore be blessed!
Thank you, Jereme.
Thanks for sharing this glimpse, Shawn. It encourages me in my own wild dreaming of not (necessarily) following the money…
Keep dreaming, Kris.
This whole piece was just what I needed to hear and be reminded of. This line was especially fabulous, "But fear is a sneaky little flea that keeps looking for bare flesh, any sensitive place it can bite." Thank you!
Thanks for reading, Jocelyn.
Shawn, how gracious our God is to show up in what you're reading and thank you for sharing it with us. Rohr's words are for all of us.
PS--how can we support you? I'd love to order books from Noooks...
I’ll message you, Jody! Thanks!
Shawn,
The wild, fearful, exhilarating moment commitment takes us into the stomach drop and the rollercoaster’s drop… we’re so grateful for your sharing the ongoing story of pursuing calling with Maile and your troop.
Chris Wheeler wrote something similar about the holiness of investing in the ground beneath your feet *now.* Matches with Rohr’s words well. https://open.substack.com/pub/chriswheelerwrites/p/missing-totality-the-bear-and-tasting?r=jih58&utm_medium=ios
Rachael and I hope visit Lancaster and Nooks end of summer!
It would be great to see you guys, Luke!
Wonderful meditation and encouragement. I am all for the divine ambush!
Thanks, Rebecca.
love this! and I spy some great books on those shelves!
Thanks, Cris.