A New Thing Springing Up: Perceiving the New Work of God
Lately the Twin Cities has enjoyed beautiful weather that points toward spring. Yet even as we look with hope toward the sunlight of days growing longer, we recognize the pain and danger that are still affecting many in our community.
In the spirit of remembering to look for the new things the Lord is springing up in us, spiritual director Barbara Keffer shares this beautiful reflection. We hope it meets you with a sense of renewal and hope for the days ahead.
Sacred Ground Voices Reflection
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
—Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)
These polarized times are revealing our inability to see the new thing God is doing. We tend to see what we expect to see based on past experiences and interpretive lenses. (For more on this, search “the invisible gorilla experiment.”) We form habits to reduce stimuli coming in and decisions we have to make. We fear change, narrowing our perception. Scientists tell us the brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive experiences. How can we perceive the new thing springing up?
Reflecting on the last fifty years of my life, I realize what a profound gift the Cenacle Retreat House and Sacred Ground have given me. I’ve been held and taught to listen to my life by reflecting on it with a spiritual companion. I’ve prayed the Ignatian Exercises during transitions, learning to discern which of my inner voices led to life, which didn’t, and how to see through lenses provided by Scripture’s stories and poetry. I was often surprised; there was always something new springing up.
The original Spiritual Direction Training Program was a safe container for growth. Supervision taught me to reflect on my blind spots as I became a spiritual companion. I have attempted to pass on what I was given through teaching and supervising in the program. I marveled at the students’ willingness to see beyond their assumptions. I have delighted in Sacred Ground’s ability to provide a safe container for the growth of students and members.
My most recent Sacred Ground experience is with a group reflecting on Richard Rohr’s book The Universal Christ. Many in the group noticed difficulty in letting go of old, limiting lenses—our old theologies and images of God. But it’s easier to voice truths and make connections to our stories when we have a safe place to do so. As we listen, we start to see a new way. The group desires to see the new thing sprouting up even as it is unclear. It’s easier when we do it together. We share the hope we will—in time—perceive the way through the streams and wilderness of the wasteland.
Holy Wisdom, open our eyes and hearts to what we can’t yet see.
—Barbara Keffer
A special thank-you to Barbara for sharing the gift of her perspective with us through this reflection.
Its’s clear in Barbara’s words that Sacred Ground has had a special place in her formation journey. If you’re interested in learning more about the Spiritual Direction Training and Formation program, please contact our Program Coordinator Jessica Sanborn at jessica.sanborn@sacredgroundspirit.org or sign up for our next virtual open house Thursday, April 16. Register here!
Sacred Ground relies on donations to continue offering spaces for people to listen with their hearts and encounter God in new ways. Your gift sustains these crucial conversations—deepening spiritual attentiveness in our community. If you feel called, please consider giving in support of our programs. Thank you for your generosity!