Last Sunday I spoke about  “The 5 P’s of Spiritual Health.”

Proximity: Like Thomas, we must keep ourselves connected to our community. The greatest gift Jesus left was the strength of a community of faith. For our soul’s health and holiness the reality of relationships is not an option. Relationships are where our spiritual life is fed and watered, weeded and nurtured.

Pray . . .In Private: Jesus was always excusing himself from his disciples, from crowds clamoring for miracles, from the distraction of everydayness, to seek time with God. In the silence of solitude the truth of our doubts and despairs, our joys and our sorrows, can be revealed and relinquished to our ever present and compassionate God.

Pray . . .In Community: Praying for your faith community, your school, your workplace, your home town, your country, your world -connects you and suddenly makes you invested in your world. Praying communally grows your spirit beyond your own needs, beyond your own self. Praying communally saves us from the grinches’ curse of living with a spirit “three sizes too small.”

Praxis: Praxis is a fancy word for “practice what you preach.” Praxis is exercising your faith in everydayness. Praxis can be offered on your most “Doubting Thomas Days.” Sometimes you have to go through the motions, even when you doubt. Sometimes the only thing that you can do is keep living your faith. Go buy groceries for the food bank. Deliver some meals on wheels to those who can’t get out. If you have a day when you cannot feel your faith, do acts of faithfulness instead.

Praise: Even after the chocolate high has worn of life is still pretty good. The world is God’s creation and even in Autumn it is exploding with new life. How can we not see God’s presence in what’s all around us? Even on the most dismal of days, stretch your spirit to find something for which you can give thanks to God. For light, for dark; for noise, for quiet; for a loving family, for a singular life; for great success, for simple sustenance. Praises multiply every day we care to express them. Offer praise daily, and the categories for praise become legion.

We strive to live the five-a-day regimen for physical health so why not for our Spiritual life? Include the 5 P’s of spiritual health and you’ll live an Easter life of wholeness and holiness.

Blessings

Reverend Shan