Willingness
Be willing. Do not let fear or worry or hesitation hold you back. Take your time to know what you want, then take the step you need to move forward.
What are you seeking? What do you desire right now? Willingness.
The Original Angel Cards by Kathy Tyler and Joy Drake.
Back to school means back to choir rehearsals. I volunteer as a choir director for a church choir, and this past week was the first choir rehearsal after the summer break. I introduced the choir to Angel Cards by Kathy Tyler and Joy Drake. The tiny cards contain a single word or two word phrase, meant for inspiration. We used the cards for our prayer at the beginning of rehearsal.
The cards were in a bag, and I asked everyone to take a moment to reflect on what they desire in their heart. For what are they seeking? What do they desire right now? Then I asked each choir member to pick a card at random and to do this in silence. I asked everyone to hold the card in their hands, while sitting quietly and reflecting on what they selected.
Spiritual Practice
I first discovered this spiritual practice during my time as a nun many years ago. In the religious community we called it “tirage,” a French word that means, “drawing,” like selecting a card.
Tirage would sometimes be part of our communal prayer. We would use quotes, Bible verses, or particular writings from various authors, and write them on cards or colorful pieces of paper. They would be placed in no specific order on a plate or coffee table, anyplace where they can be easily selected.
Tirage would begin with a moment of silence to reflect on the desire of one’s heart. What do you want at this moment in your life? What do you desire? After the silent reflection, you would randomly pick a slip of paper and sit silently with the word or phrase you have chosen. The purpose is to allow the drawing to speak to your heart, trusting that what you chose is meant for you at this time in your life.
The Original Angel Cards Book: Inspirational Messages and Meditations by Kathy Tyler and Joy Drake.
Back at choir rehearsal, after all the choir members had drawn a card, we had a moment of silence. Then I invited two members to share their word, how they are inspired by it, and what it means for them in the coming week.
Tonight’s words were WISDOM and COMPASSION. In addition to what the two choir members shared, I also read a brief section on these words from the Angel Cards Book.
Wisdom
Wisdom arises from experience, a deep heart, and willingness to learn. Add your maturity and inner knowing to spiritually nourish each creative moment. (Angel Cards Book, p. 88)
Compassion
Compassion is the heartfelt understanding of the human condition that encompasses the pain in oneself and others, dissolves judgment, and opens the way for acceptance. Sincere desire to alleviate suffering. (Angel Cards Book, p. 59)
The word I selected that night at rehearsal was WILLINGNESS. Seems to ring true at the core of me, part of my inner desire to embrace life wholeheartedly. Willingness is having an open mind with an inclination toward readiness.
What are you seeking? What do you desire right now?
Be willing. Be open. Lean in to readiness. Listen with heartfelt eagerness. Then respond by stepping forward in the direction toward the great adventure of life. Willingness.
I welcome your comments.
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