THE MINDFUL CHRISTIAN
  • Home
  • BOOKS
  • Training
  • Christian Virtue & Mindfulness
    • Renewal of the Mind (& Neuroplasticity)
    • Gratitude (& Awareness)
    • Humility (& Beginner's Mind)
    • Contentment (& Acceptance)
    • Grace (& Self-Compassion)
    • Compassion (& Common Humanity)
    • Prayer (& Openness)
    • Worship (& Curiosity)
  • Guides for Practice
    • Physical Meditation Postures
    • Meditation Audio Guides & Apps >
      • Lovingkindness Guide
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact

Scratchy

12/24/2021

0 Comments

 
Mary and Joseph had to carve out a place to sleep where animals stay, right in the midst of the scratchy straw and smelly dung. Mary went into labor and suffered the pain and uncertainty of childbirth with little support. And then Jesus was there - God was swaddled and snuggled into a feeding trough for animals.

This reality of God With Us is profound. Life has sure felt scratchy and smelly this year. For me, it's been a painful year of unfamiliar interpersonal drama. God has been showing up for me, but it's taken everything in me at times to keep my eyes on him and stay grounded. Maybe you can relate.

God didn't shy away from the mess of our life on earth. Instead, he snuggled right in and made the uncomfortable conditions his home. This is the kind of "acceptance" we talk about in mindfulness practice. We accept that we are already where we are (straw and all), and then we choose our next step with intentionality. God didn't demand better quarters (although he certainly deserved them). Instead, he made a home in the straw and invited angels and shepherds for a visit.

I'm starting to also find a home here - to snuggle into that manger with Jesus and find that I have what I need. We're all in good company with him.

Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    I am Irene Kraegel. I am licensed as a clinical psychologist and teach mindfulness on a faith-based university campus. I practice mindfulness because it opens me up to God (a.k.a. brings joy). I am writing here in hopes of sharing some of my experiences and thoughts related to the practice of mindfulness in the life of a Christian. Thanks for reading!

    Picture
    Books
    Picture
    Picture
    Email List
    Visit my contact page to sign up for email notifications when new posts are released.

    Blog archives

    March 2023
    July 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    July 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014

Photo Credit (Header): Brooke Collier
© COPYRIGHT 2014-2023  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  • Home
  • BOOKS
  • Training
  • Christian Virtue & Mindfulness
    • Renewal of the Mind (& Neuroplasticity)
    • Gratitude (& Awareness)
    • Humility (& Beginner's Mind)
    • Contentment (& Acceptance)
    • Grace (& Self-Compassion)
    • Compassion (& Common Humanity)
    • Prayer (& Openness)
    • Worship (& Curiosity)
  • Guides for Practice
    • Physical Meditation Postures
    • Meditation Audio Guides & Apps >
      • Lovingkindness Guide
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact