Meditation

"Meditation is slowing down and giving one's undivided attention to God - this lies at the core of Christian meditation."

"'God walks everywhere incognito.' - CS Lewis.  Clues to his presence can be found in creation, in history, in human beings, in worship, and in scripture.  But we must stop and pay attention."
--Adele Calhoun, "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook"

Meditation.  Sounds "New Age-y", doesn't it?  Are you picturing crystals, flute music, chanting, sitting lotus-style?  Yeah...  Those can be ways to meditate, too... but that's not what we're talking about with Christian meditation.

We're simply talking about the idea of taking a break from the distractions of daily life and focusing on God.  That's it.  And there are many ways to do it!  The ways most often recommended?
*  Meditating on Scripture - read the Bible and think about what it means.  You can do as little as one verse at a time...
*  Meditating on God's creation - spend time in nature (and recognize God in it)!
*  Meditating on world events - what's happening in the world?  How do you feel about it?  Where is God in the situation?  How is God calling you to respond?
*  Meditating on the lives of individuals - we all know people who need prayers.  Spend time focused on their situation and trying to see where God is in it.  How is God calling you to be present to the person?  Or maybe there is someone that has been a faith role model in your life - meditate, or think about - what they've taught you about God and being in the world.  How is God calling you to respond to what you've learned through this person?

We've talked about prayer... about fasting...  about worship... about simplicity.
Meditation is just another way - or piece - to living the Christian life.  To separating ourselves from the chaos and constant distraction of our culture and finding the time to connect with God.

Try it.  I triple-dog dare you!