DAILY DEVOTIONALS for JULY
Monday, July 14
- Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’”
- Reflection: This verse encourages us to pause, reflect, and gain perspective at times of change and choice. We are seeking a way forward that is sustainable, as we focus on renewal and rest as values to cultivate in our lives.
Seeking ‘ancient paths’ becomes an invitation to learn from wisdom and tradition. Become curious. Wonder. Ask. Do research. We can immerse ourselves in what past matriarchs and patriarchs have taught and passed along, with regard to whatever question we are asking, whatever decision we’re considering.
We don’t have to discover everything ourselves, or invent everything ourselves. We don’t have to know all the answers, or make choices immediately. Always build in the chance to breathe and reflect. We can turn to existing resources and knowledge bases as resources. Wisdom literature often has much to offer, including a spiritual perspective.
We can always turn to prayer as a form of listening and discernment.
We can seek guides and advisors. We can also trust in contemporary, close friendships or coaching, counseling, and mentoring relationships as places for discussion and discernment.
In particular, if you are grappling with a major choice, or seeking insight about your sense of purpose, consider the process of ‘Finding your why’ as developed by Simon Sinek (full article): “If you’re interested in how to find your purpose and uncovering your own WHY, it requires dedicated self-discovery … there is a simple way to begin by exploring your WHY on your own. It only takes a few minutes of your time and a conversation with a close friend.
Simon advises against doing this exercise with a spouse or family member, as those relationships are often too close and may not provide an objective perspective. By engaging with a trusted friend, you can gain fresh insights and an expert perspective on your journey to finding your purpose.
To begin, sit down with one of your closest friends and pose a single question to them: “Why are we friends?” … Explain that this is an exercise aimed at gaining self-awareness, and it’s crucial that they collaborate with you to answer the question. Typically, your friend will start by using common clichés to describe your friendship, such as “you’re always there” or “I can trust you.” You will need to push them to dig deeper … So, push further by asking, “What specific qualities or actions about me make you confident that you would support me unconditionally?” … Eventually, they will begin to describe themselves. Their sentences will start with phrases like “I feel…”, “You make me feel…”, and “When I’m around you, I feel…”
If the right words are spoken, you will experience an emotional response. You may feel goosebumps or become teary-eyed because they are articulating the value you hold in their lives. This emotional reaction serves as an indicator. …
Once you have gained a clear understanding of what your friend means, make sure to take detailed notes. Then repeat this exercise with more friends. By comparing the notes from these conversations, you will begin to notice commonalities in what your friends say about you. As you discover what you possess that your friends don’t find in anyone else, you will be one step closer to articulating your WHY and understanding the unique way you naturally make an impact in the world.” - Spiritual Practice Prompt: Reflect on a decision or situation in your life where you feel at a intersection. How will your choice bring you closer or further to your sense of purpose? How will it be sustainable for you, so that self-care and wellbeing are part of the equation? What resources, mentors, wisdom literature, or relationships might you turn to for support and perspective? If you need a ‘big picture’ answer, start with the exercise recommended by Simon Sinek above, that helps you articulate your purpose.
Song:
- Path to Follow by the Way Down Wanderers: https://youtu.be/rgoSMn7bQIU?si=uNpqvvzlVnv_lW1o
… Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
— Robert Frost
July 14 Devotional