Retrospective
The Rule of Life, Week 16
By Andrea Lingle

I commit to this rule of life and to the well-being of this community, out of gratitude to God who forgives, heals, and makes all things new. May my life be a blessing within and beyond God’s church, for the transformation of the world.
     -From the MWF Rule of Life

So, we did it. We talked about a Rule of Life for sixteen consecutive weeks.

And I think it has changed my life.

When we began this pilgrimage through our Rule of Life, I did so with a feeling of inadequacy. How can I write about a Rule of Life if I don’t live by one? So, I read and wrote through this series as a participant. I don’t live in an official Intentional Christian Community, so I am trying to live intentionally where I am. While ideal contemplation is difficult in my rarely-quiet house, I have decided to find a few quiet corners within my soul. Even though the service I can provide seems a long way from grand acts of benevolence, I have decided to be grateful for the service I can offer and be offered.

Here are some adjustments I have made during this journey.

• I have begun a (nearly) nightly yoga and meditation practice.

• I have asked for a group of friends to sit with me during Lent and journey through the Gospel of Matthew.

• I have started reading a reputable news-source.

• I have started drinking green smoothies with plain yogurt and no sugar.

As the weeks rolled by, I began to notice, the Rule wasn’t asking me to make big changes. It was asking for minor adjustments or just sitting calmly by, ready when I needed a reminder of what I am trying to do here. Sometimes it asked for no changes in behavior, but a change in intent.

Why do I pray?

I pray to create space.

Why am I present?

I am present with my neighbors to allow my neighbors, briefly, to carry my soul.

Why do I give?

I give to create a common strength.

Why do I serve?

I serve because I am thirsty for hope.

Why do I witness?

I witness so that the world can see God.

I hope you have found our journey fruitful. I hope you have been urged forward. I hope that you will find grace in and for the small adjustments that deepen this life of intention and community--no matter who or where you are. If you would like to see the Rule of Life in its entirety, click here.

Invitation to Missional Mindfulness:

• Think back over these last sixteen weeks and look at any adjustments you might have made. Take a moment to record

• Think about the words of commitment that conclude the Rule of Life. Where do these words meet you at this moment?

The Missional Wisdom Foundation Rule of Life

We hope you have enjoyed our study of the Missional Wisdom Foundation Rule of Life. This is our last week to focus on The Rule. This way of life continually blesses us in many ways and we hope that you, our Dispersed Community, have been able to share in that blessing. If you would like a very nice, framable copy of the MWF Rule of Life, you can find several options in our Merchandise Store.