I’m blessed to be a part of a community where people have not only learned and accepted the responsibility to feed themselves (Note: not talking individualism here, it’s God who does the feeding), but have also learned and accepted the responsibility to feed others. It’s not up to me to feed everyone, rather it is a communal responsibility to find and share spiritual (and actual) food. We teach, bless, and encourage one another (as our gifts allow) in our pursuit of God.

It’s sort of a spiritual potluck. 

We each bring a dish.

Some people bring old favorites, others bring new recipes that they’ve discovered along the way. Sometimes people can’t bring a dish because they are too tired or overwhelmed. Sometimes people bring a few dishes or one giant dish. 

Some people eat a little bit from what every person has brought, others just get a massive helping of a handful of dishes. 

There is plenty for everyone to eat and certainly something that will fill the hunger each brings.

We don’t just leave with our hunger satiated, but, as with any good potluck, we share the recipes so that we can make them later for others.

The cool thing is that it’s not incumbent on me (or anyone else) to make sure that everyone is fed. It’s a responsibility we share. I don’t arrive too tired to eat from preparing a massive meal for everyone; I get to partake in the spiritual feast as well.

And we each depart with more than we brought.

Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Disciplines

Rating: 5 out of 5

Author: Lauren F. Winner

Year: 2007

Publisher: Paraclete Press (MA)

ISBN: 1557255326

Lauren Winner delves into her Jewish roots to explore 11 spiritual practices that help us understand the character of God.