5 May, 2005 5:25 PM
I just picked up the keys for our new house (left) and over the next few days we begin the process of shifting the accumulated things (too many) from our abode of the last few years to our new place.
It is a rather odd feeling - to actually have a little patch of land that we'll not only live on but that has a document saying that we 'own' it. Along with the feelings of excitement, relief (no more moving every year or two!), weariness (the logistics of it all are a killer) - I've been feeling a little pain over the past few days about leaving North Fitzroy.
Not just because of the cafes, coffee, park, wide streets, fun lifestyle (although I'll miss a lot of that) but mainly because this place has become home for us - for me - at such a formative time of my life.
Since moving to North Fitzroy I've gotten married, planted LivingRoom, made some significant relationships with local, started a business and had more paradigm shifts than a mind can handle. Whilst none of this ends as we move - I'm surprised to feel some grief attached to it.
Last night at LivingRoom we had a time of sharing where our 'missional heart' was - or where we were feeling God stir around us and perhaps inviting us to join in his work. I realized that for the past three years my 'missional heart' has been my neighborhood - particularly a local cafe where I've spent time virtually everyday sharing life with those who work and drink coffee there - this cafe has become central of my daily rhythm of mission and an important proximity space for me.
Whilst we're only moving 7 kilometers away to Preston - my daily rhythm will no doubt change - and my time in this local cafe will not be such a regular feature of my life. A new rhythm will emerge - but in the mean time, amidst the excitement is a little sadness and a growing 'wondering' about what may develop in our new neighborhood.
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Hey d and v....
Hope that the move is smooth for you! Am excited to see you in your new pad....let me know if you need a hand!!!
mel » 6 May, 2005 9:12 AM
The Monastic Rhythm of Life
Twice a year a group of employees from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam travel to the small Belgian town of Brecht for a short stay at the Nazareth Abby, a monastic community of Trappist nuns. For most this is their first introduction to life in a monastery. It is an introduction not only to a different belief structure but also a completely different lifestyle. A life with different priorities, its own rhythm and focus. The time spent there, from late Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon is short but leaves a deep impression on many. People often decide to come a second or third time and sometimes individuals decide to stay for a few days by themselves.
In the monastery people find something which they seem to have lost in their hectic everyday lives. As a guest in the monastery you are confronted with a very elementary way of dealing with life. Core words are simplicity, austerity, peace and quiet.
Paradoxically, a growing interest in monastic life has come at a time when an increasingly ageing population has led to big problems in many communities. Their ability to support themselves is being put under increasing pressure. For a number of monasteries the end is near.
Monasteries in, out and with time: a description of monastic life viewed from the perspective of history, the present and future may enable us to gain a greater understanding of how these two polar forces – an increasing interest in the monastic community and the declining numbers of brothers and sisters who are members of that community– are related.
A 'Strange' World ...
jaffa » 15 June, 2005 5:42 PM
Congratulations on the move, have fun unpacking!!
I think you'll notice a more errr... Middle Eastern flavour to Preston. You'll never be short of a place to buy halal meat.
Love to V too!
Maryam » 5 May, 2005 10:01 PM