LENT WEEK 4
Haiku Meditation
Securely planted
Ready to receive the grace
Of what will become
John 1:16: “For from his fullness, we have all received, grace upon grace.”
Securely planted: For a seed to bloom it must become undone. But it is only ready for its undoing, because it has been firmly planted in rich soil. It seems backwards, to be carefully planted and cared for only to be broken open and spilled out for all to eventually see. But this is the kingdom way that Lent reminds us to meditate on. Jesus spent time in solitude and rest, finding refuge in God’s presence before his active ministry where he was eventually broken open and poured out for all humanity.
It’s hard to feel secure and find refuge these days when it feels like we’ve been in a prolonged state of crisis. However, it’s often in turmoil or a crisis that we can see more clearly where we want to be securely planted. When all the world is sinking sand, we must press in more deeply to the One who holds us secure. When God prepares us for a new season, he often leads us first, more deeply into his Word. It is in rest and refuge in him that we can be made ready for a time when more will be required of us. Sometimes we want the fruitful, blooming season without the preparation. We want the outward beautiful things for all to see and we seek validation from what we are producing on the outside. But without the preparation season like we’ve been meditating on, we will not be ready to withstand the turmoil or chaotic conditions we find all around us. We must be securely planted in the dark, rich soil before we are ready to bloom.
Ready to receive the grace: A seed on the verge of breaking open in the ground and starting the process of new growth has been made ready to receive all that it’s going to become. The only thing left for it to do is to grow into it’s fullness. It does not question if it has what it takes, it simply receives the grace of the fullness of it’s identity and then becomes it.
Once the process starts, that seed is on it’s way and trusts the ground that securely holds it. Like we talked about a few weeks ago, the soil is a rich storehouse and has all the seed needs to become it’s most beautiful self. Some of you may find that you’ve held back in receiving the fullness of God’s grace and becoming all you are meant to be. Or you may believe that you don’t deserve God’s goodness or that you won’t have enough of what it takes to carry out what he’s calling you into becoming. This is when we need to remember his grace.
Of what will become: There is still fragility in beauty. A flower in full bloom must rely on the strength of the soil that holds it to endure the elements in it’s most vulnerable state. Our becoming requires great risk but leads to great freedom. There are no guarantees that we will be safe in what we are becoming but this is where our faith meets God’s grace. We trust the process and receive the fullness of his grace that allows us to live in freedom of who we are becoming.
As we move closer to Easter Sunday and look to emerging into the fullness of this grace and becoming more of who God meant us to be, meditate on these scriptures as you watch and pray along with the movement meditation:
Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
John 1:16: “For from his fullness, we have all received, grace upon grace.”
Embodied Movement Meditation: “BECOME”
Guided Journal Prompts:
How are you preparing and making yourself ready to move into a new season when the time is right?
Have you felt securely planted?
What are some things that make you feel secure?
What kind of a season do you sense you are becoming ready for?
Prayer: May we be securely planted in the Word, made ready and open to receive the fullness of God’s grace for all that we are being led to become in our next season.
Creative Prompt: Write a haiku in your own words about becoming ready for a new season. Use the Psalm below for guidance if needed and rewrite one or more of the verses in haiku form.
Haiku is an ancient Japanese art form that was developed to capture a moment in vivid, descriptive words. It’s purpose is to focus and be attentive to your surroundings and try to describe it in the most efficient use of words as possible. A haiku is made up of 3 lines that follow the 5/7/5 rule of syllables with the first line being 5 syllables, the second line being 7 and the third line being 5 again for a total of 17 syllables. It can be a very helpful, contemplative practice to quiet the mind and be attentive to the present moment.
Psalm 16:5-11
5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!
7 I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Art work by Natalie Salminen Rude
https://nataliesalminen.com
Music by Ty.Rex
Haiku by Libby Johnson
Dancer Libby Johnson
Copyright Vivid Artistry 2022
May not be used or duplicated without permission