Friday, June 19, 2009

Friday Five: Life is a Verb


At RevGalBlogPals, Jan writes:

Jennifer recommended this book, which I got because I always value Jennifer's reading suggestions. The author of Life is a Verb, Patti Digh worked her book around these topics concerning life as a verb:

Say yes.
Be generous.
Speak up.
Love more.
Trust yourself.
Slow down.

As I read and pondered about living more intentionally, I also have wondered what this Friday Five should be. This book has been the jumping off point for this Friday.

1. What awakens you to the present moment?

Lying in the hammock looking up at the trees, working in the garden, petting the cat, focusing on my breathing, and so much more

2. What are 5 things you see out your window right now?

Hanging baskets of flowers, my car, strawberries and blueberries, roses, the composter

3. Which verbs describe your experience of God?

Embrace, create, laugh, love, play

4. From the book on p. 197: Who were you when you were 13? Where did that kid go?

The 13-year-old loved playing basketball and swimming, enjoyed school but was a bit of a troublemaker, was intrigued by spirituality of all kinds, wanted to live in harmony with God, and had just decided to go into ministry because of the involvement of MLK and his clergy colleagues in civil rights issues. The kid’s still here, though is often forgotten because of all the institutional issues that she never dreamed she would need to deal with. Part of my summer goal is to give up some of the adult that’s gotten in the way and get more of that kid back .

5. From the book on p. 88: If your work were the answer to a question, what would the question be?

How do we make the world a bit more just and kind (because God is reflected in everything/everyone around us)?

Bonus idea for you here or on your own--from the book on p. 149:

"Go outside. Walk slowly forward. Open your hand and let something fall into it from the sky. It might be an idea, it might be an object. Name it. Set it aside. Walk forward. Open your hand and let something fall into it from the sky. Name it. Set it aside. Repeat. . . ."

3 comments:

Jan said...

I love your question and want that to be true!

revhipchick said...

ooh...a hammock!

amazing and wonderful that you heard your call at 13 and followed it.

great question as well--terrific play!

Jane said...

Hmm yes releasing the child and letting institutions deal with some of their own stuff is a great idea esp. if you have a hammock