Welp, here we are: week 2 and day 8 of 40(ish) days of learning about what a "good enough" life and faith look like. And I suppose it's not an accident that Kate and Jessica return to the place where we started: with a new reflection on the regula we are all hopefully building.
I'm not sure I've ever considered the idea that good things could become burdens, but the example of Kate's friend Rachel who thought praying could only be authentic if she was on her knees is compelling (pp 45-46).
Kate and Jessica conclude: "Our ideas become so rigid that they are held up over all other considerations. We adopted them thinking that they could help us live, but our rules can't anticipate every circumstance, or meet every rising need. They just aren't flexible enough, smart enough, or compassionate enough. After all, a rule can't see you, or know you, or respond to you"(p 46).
When they put it that way, I completely understand! This explains the (biblical and modern-day) Pharisees and Sadducees in a nutshell!
When they return to the idea of regula, they remind us that "The little habits we create with God's guidance will actually be made to fit us. Fit me. Fit you. The particular you, in this particular moment" (p 47).
Their discussion about the idea of the yoke (which helps to carry burdens) that is made to fit over the neck of a farm animal in a way that fits only that particular animal reminds me of a sermon I heard at a colleague's ordination service. The preacher talked about how the stole that some pastors wear (like me) around their necks every Sunday is a representation of this same yoke, a reminder of our call to serve others in the way we have been shaped and designed to serve. In a way no one else has been shaped and designed to serve.
I appreciate their reminder that we are called to create habits that fit us - instead of borrowing someone else's habits - and that "the point of spiritual practice is not simply carry more, try harder, do better. It fits. It's easy. As Jesus says, 'It's light, I swear'" (p 48).
(Also, the footnote at the bottom of the page is a delight!)
"But You say that Your yoke is gentle and easy. And if that is true, may I see these small habit as opening a space for transformation. That instead of building walls around me, You erase the barriers I've built around who You are and how I should respond" (p 49).
Pastor Allison
I'm curious:
Check out the list of "excitedly absurd rules" they include on page 50.
What are your favorite absurd rules or laws?
Here's mine, one I need to be particularly aware of: It's illegal to wear a fake mustache in an Alabama Church. (Someone please tell me the story of how this law became necessary!! And if you don't know, please make up a story and drop it in the comments!!!)
Read more absurd laws from around the world here!
