Contemplation, Contemplating, Contemplative. For some, these are words of comfort. A break from producing. Just the thought adds oxygen to the soul. For others, it delivers sheer panic. The terror of stillness. The unknown qualities of “just thinking.” Contemplation, however, is a stretchy act; able to be held and practiced by skeptics and fans — in a session room, by a ruling elder all alone, a young person, a family, whomever.
To contemplate is to deeply consider. A spiritual director once offered, and demonstrated for a class focused on Christian spirituality, that a simple way to think about contemplation is to imagine holding a crystal vase, bowl, or sculpture, and then take five minutes to completely examine the piece being held. Look at it, feel it, turn it around and over and upside down. Look at how it interacts with objects in the background. See how light and less light might shift the item, produce color, warm it.
A recent Valentine’s Day experience drove me to do a deep dive into the practice of contemplation. The first item of business on the day of hearts and arrows was a visit to the dentist. As I entered the office, I was greeted by a cheerful staff person with the phrase “Happy Love Day!” I sheepishly smiled, rushing to sign in. The receptionist continued to greet patients with her joyful message. As I checked out, she wished me well. I said, “Happy Valentine’s Day!” to her. And she replied, “Thank you! I hope your day is full of love. In all ways!” I went to get onto the elevator and something stopped me. I turned back around and said, “You are greeting people with ‘Happy Love Day!’ What makes you say that phrase specifically? I’m curious.” She said, “I decided this morning to see everyone, throughout today, as a person who has love, has been loved, should be loved. When they get off the elevator the first thing I see is that. It’s amazing. I don’t see what they are wearing, or their grumpiness, or anything like that. I see them as a being, carrying love.”
To deeply consider something, to contemplate it, is to open the eyes, intentionally look with a spirit of seeing, and to behold it. Isn’t this a great, good ol’ biblical/theological invitation? To behold something. We are told that God beheld God’s son. Mary beheld her child. A nation beheld its final destination. They all did more than just glance and move on. The invitation to us as leaders is to do more than simply see and move on. It is to deeply consider. To contemplate can be a form of prayer or an incredibly powerful tool in deepening peace or reaching a careful decision. Contemplation for the church leader, the ruling elder, teacher, clerk is a way to shift from decision to discernment. To deeply consider whether that is how you see yourself as a leader, how you operate with other leaders, the implications of a program, or a budget. To do more than glance and move on.
Enchanted by the idea presented by the dental receptionist that Valentine’s Day; that I might look at those around me and see them as individuals with love and as a person that God beholds, I left the office determined to do the same. While I was not comfortable greeting strangers with the phrase “Happy Love Day,” I was curious. I was moved. And so, I decided to deeply consider people that day. And that day was a day of love. Not hearts and arrows but absolute appreciation and a rumbling sense of gratitude for who and what I was seeing.
As in most spiritual practices, intentionality is key. It’s making an intentional effort that will eventually lead to a natural or more habitual action. Consider these simple ways to practice contemplation as you serve:
- During a meeting silently choose another leader in the room and consider the gifts of that person: the reasons they have been called by the community and by God to serve and the words that they have spoken that helped an item or a conversation be considered. Behold that person. What does God see when God sees that person?
- During a decision-making process, ask the group to take a few minutes to truly think about the people involved in that decision. For example, in the approval of a youth group service experience, invite yourself and others to spend a few minutes pondering the young people involved in the decision, the group or community that will receive the service, the lives of that community. Contemplate the way that God sees all of those involved. What might God hope for this decision? Do this as you first encounter the item on the agenda or before you vote.
- As you begin your day take five minutes to quietly examine how you feel, how you start your day, what good things are present (coffee, purpose, possibility, etc.), what challenges lie ahead, and simply consider your day. Contemplate rather than plan.
Happy Love Day today and every day!
Gina Yeager-Buckley serves as the Mission Associate for Christian Formation—Youth/Presbyterian Youth Triennium. Gina lives and works in Louisville, Kentucky. She is married to Andrew. A certified Christian Educator, volunteer youth team member at her church, and an enthusiastic advocate for young people in the church, Gina looks for ways to encourage churches to be shaped by the faith and life of the young people in their midst.