Spiritual Formation
A foundational work on Christian spiritual formation emphasizing contemplative practices and the transformation of the inner life.
Time needs to be converted from chronos to kairos-an opportunity for a change of heart. The spiritual life is a formation process in which time slowly loses its opaqueness and becomes transparent. To start seeing that the many events of our day, week, or year are not obstacles to a full and meaningful life, but the way to it, is a real experience of conversion.
Whereas discipline without discipleship leads to rigid formalism, discipleship without discipline ends in sentimental romanticism
In solitary prayer we become aware that our identity does not depend on what we have accomplished or possess, that our productivity does not define us, and that our worth is not the same as our usefulness.
My spiritual task is to learn to listen to all that is going on and trust that God's hand is guiding me. Then life is no longer a series of interruptions to my schedule and plans, but rather the patient and purposeful way by which God forms and leads me day by day. Gratitude makes the interruption into an invitation, and the occasion of complaint into a moment for contemplation.