In my own spiritual journey, there have been times when an image or word becomes like an unfolding parable to me and my growth. Suddenly, some new facet is revealed about my image of God, or my story with God. It is a meaningful touchstone as this kind of growth takes shape to have a sacred spot to feature that word or image. You can light the candle there and create a visual for the idea that is taking hold in your heart. Once, this was the phrase, “I am open to new ways of being.” Once “Thy Kindom Come.”
Right now, I have the Dancing Christ in our sacred spot, an icon written by Mark Dukes. I have this image leaning against a painting of a forest path in autumn. Every time I see it, I feel the invitation to dance down that path, to continue my journey with Jesus with dancing steps, even in this darkening season, even in this pandemic season—a time that feels lonely and limited. Dancing with God has been an invitation in my imagination for several years now, and I still think of the song “Shut up and Dance with me” when I playfully take God’s outstretched hand.
Once, I put a little drawing of an adjusted view of God, attempting to retrain my brain from my childhood perspective of ME, here and GOD, there. Along with the quote, from Catherine of Siena, “God is closer to us than water to a fish.” Glancing at that little drawing and the quote on the altar, helped me.
The Sacred Spot for learning uses the home altar as a the very personal space it is, to hold our learnings like a music stand, as we grapple with language and images for God.