My Time With The Monks

During my Post-Sabbatical Ponderings sermon, I shared with you all that I went to New Mexico and spent six nights at a monastery called Christ in the Desert. Some of you have asked me to share some thoughts and insights from my time with the monks. Here are a few random monk ponderings:

• Guests of the monastery are asked to live in silence and honor people’s pursuit of solitude. This meant little to no talking except during church services where scripture reading and singing took place. We would eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a communal space with the monks and other guests, all in silence. It was awkward at first. Yet, by the end of the week, there was something very comforting about eating meals with strangers, even in silence. There is a ministry that comes through our presence. No words need to be spoken. The simple act of being together is often the only ministering we actually need.
• Frequently in the Scriptures, we see that Jesus went away to be by Himself. What do you think He did when He was away? Of course, we know He prayed, but what else do you think He did? Do you think you could handle the solitude? The first two days of my time away were honestly difficult for me. No cell phones, no talking, and very little in terms of structured activities. I got a little stir-crazy, but by day three, I started to settle into a rhythm of prayer, reading, and hiking. What is it about our current pace of life that makes putting the cell phone away and being by yourself for a few days seem like a challenging thing? If Jesus saw the importance of going away by Himself, why do we think we can skip that practice in our own lives?
• I went to the monastery thinking it'd be a good way to start my sabbatical, helping me disconnect quickly and break my usual rhythms (which it did!). However, I also went in with a tad of cynicism about the monks'; way of living. The idea of isolating themselves from the rest of the world has always been challenging for me. But while I was there, I grew to appreciate their healthy fear of the Lord and their value of righteous and holy living. Just as I can question their lifestyle of isolation, they might think I'm crazy to expose my heart and soul to some of the things I expose myself to. And if I'm being honest, I can kind of see their point. I don't really see myself ever becoming a monk, but I have grown in my appreciation for their perspective, and I desire to truly learn and grow in having a healthy fear of God.

These are just a few ponderings from my time in the monastery. Thanks again to Hopesters for giving me this valuable time away!

Peace,  
Nick