Scripture

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

(John 14:1-7, NIV)

Reflection

What leaps out to me from these words is that Jesus doesn't say 'a' way, he says 'the' way. He doesn't only say 'the way'--He also voices, 'the truth' and 'the life'. Out of all Jesus' "I am" statements this one is the most comprehensive.

There have been times where I've reduced my faith to things about Jesus rather than to Jesus Himself. Even as I sat down to write this email I felt overwhelmed by the various directions I wanted to go to help you embody this scripture. I felt my inner life being scattered and confused. My thoughts, emotions, energy--all scattered and chaotic.

I'm not entering into Holy week feeling gathered and at peace. I'm not in a space to write an inspiring reflection because words aren't coming. Instead I spent time with God examining my mind + heart. It became clear that the doing has actually moved me away from God, rather than toward God. In my plans and works, I'm actually feeling separation and distance.

With that, I simply want to invite you to slow down with me. Carve out time in your week to pause. Breathe slowly. Release. Rest. Renew in God's breath breathing you. Breath by breath, the Spirit infusing you. Embody the reality, promise and invitation of the words in John 14:6.

It's not my way, it's His way. It's not my words, it's His words. It's not my life, it's His life.

Practice

This restorative yoga is designed to help you notice and nurture your body + mind + soul. Practice being present to feelings, sensations, subtle inner movements, stirrings, and insights. Spirit brings order and revelation, not chaos and overwhelm. Surround yourself in a sacred 30 minutes of surrendering your busyness and connect to God in Jesus rather than an exercise or practice about Jesus.

Holy week is here and I hope you can use this restorative practice to carve out space to gather yourself with Jesus's way, truth and life He promises you. Pray for the grace to identify chaos in your life and the strength to not be controlled by it.