The spiritual practice of engaging in a vow of silence is a discipline that comes to us from the monastic tradition. It’s a spiritual practice that is centuries old. The idea being that that silence “is a means to access the deity, to develop self-knowledge, or to live more harmoniously.” Silent retreats have been opened to people seeking a re-centering and a renewed focus.
But at this time and place, a vow of silence is not what I need. I need a vow to create. I need to engage in the holy work of trying to create order out of chaos; beauty out of pain; joy out of grief.
I vow to create sanctuary: safe places to explore what God is calling you to do and who God is calling you to become.
I vow to create time and space for reading, research, and reflection pursuing this journey of becoming.
I vow to create table fellowship sharing the body of Christ and the cup of salvation with those gathered around God’s table.
I vow to create journal entries, blog posts, poetry, and, yes, maybe even a book to share stories, ideas, hopes, and dreams.
I vow to create chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin muffins, banana bread, potato soup, and broccoli and cheese soup to offer nourishment to body and soul.
I vow to create towers of cups and blocks that most certainly will be knocked down by a 14 month old accompanied by cackles and giggles.
I vow to create new recipes, not knowing if they will be good or bad.
I vow to create bathtub explorations that involve pipes transformed into snorkeling gear in underwater adventures.
I vow to create french braids that will probably fall out and have to be re-created.
I vow to co-create alongside the people of God using their God-given gifts to change the world.
I vow to co-create alongside Creator God, working and striving, however slowly, towards….
And it was good.