I stay up later than normal to finish reading Water from a Deep Well by Gerald Sittser. As I reach over to put the book down on my bedside table, my mind churns. I’ve marked it with highlights, underlines, notes that will serve as guides when I look back through the pages—and look back, I will. It’s given me much to ponder.
In the conclusion, having looked back at traditions of faith through the centuries, Sittser writes of God’s only begotten who “never separated sacred from secular, religion from daily life”. He says that authenticity of our spiritual lives is proven not when we “do” religion, but when we apply our faith to ordinary life. If our spiritual disciplines “do not affect daily conduct and attitude, then we do them in vain,” he says. “They are not ends in themselves. Their purpose is to infuse us with love for God and love for neighbor.” (Italics mine)
And right there is the crux of what I’ve been ruminating on for a while—that loving God and loving our neighbour as ourselves thing that we’re told is the greatest commandment, that thing that seems so difficult to do sometimes. If I’m not consistently walking out what my faith tells me is the most important thing, I need to take stock and make some changes.
Sittser’s final words in the book echo those from across the centuries who drank from the deep well of living water: ”There is more. So much more.” I believe this to be true.
Linda, I don’t just “like” this post. I “love” it! Must get Sittser’s book and read. Thanks for introducing it to me.
It’s a thought provoking and interesting read, Sherrey. Maybe something to curl up with during your recovery time?
I’m reading a book about water now too, Julia Cameron’s Finding Water. I may quote from it in a future blog post. Your books and quotes always inspire me to higher thoughts and aspirations. Thank you, Linda!
Thank you, Marian. I’m going to check out Cameron’s book too. It’s one I haven’t heard of.