Dear Friends,
I am sitting down to write this morning because I reached a tipping point. Yesterday I heard, again, that someone was "spiritual," but not "religious." The same person went on in stunning predictability to say that they didn't like "organized religion."

Now I know that it's possible to ride this horse one too many times. So, those of you who have heard this rant before will find me asking for grace and forgiveness. But really, friends. Let's clear the air here. Rote ramblings like this don't come from people who are intentionally spiritual. They come from slackers who like the idea of spirituality, but are too lazy to actually practice a spiritual discipline.

And not liking "organized religion?" What's that mean? Clearly the person who says this has no experience with so called "organized religion." Go to any meeting at any level of the United Methodist Church and you'll learn quickly.....we're not all that organized. Would that it were so!

If someone makes a conscious choice to be without a specific faith, that's fine with me. I think they're losing out in the long run, but hey, I'm good with it. But we need to be up front with the truth that it's not possible to be vaguely spiritual.

Spirituality requires discipline. It needs a particular practice and form to take shape. Now this can be Ignatian spirituality or Franciscan Spirituality. It can be Zen or Zoarastrian, but it can't be simply......spiritual.

It's like being musical. Everyone has music within them. But unless you pick up an instrument and practice, your musicality.....and $3.50 will get you a Mochachino at Starbucks.

So to all of you who trumpet your spirituality without the discipline of practice or the focus of intention, I say this. Pick something. Anything. Choose Greek Orthodoxy or Quaker Spirituality. Select Kabalistic Judaism or Trappist silence. I might even be so immodest as to suggest Wesleyan spirituality, but for God's sake, choose something.

Let your spirituality be authentic and focused. Let it be at the center of your being rather than an item on some life buffet.

Or, if you prefer, have the courage to live out of touch with Spirit and faith, and do THAT with intention.

OK. I'll stop now.

This posting, by the way, represents my own intentional return to the blogosphere. My hope is to post something here every week - or possibly more often.

Looking forward to connecting, to sharing, and to daring great things with you all.

SR