Bonnie Lebbing reflects: I was introduced to Contemplative and Centering Prayer in 2017. At the time, I was searching for peace in my life. Today I know that God answered those prayers. To find peace I needed to stay in the NOW. I needed to be aware of and accept the beauty of the present. Being in the present allowed me to trust that God was working for my good. That trust led me into a deeper love of ALL God’s creations and ways of non-judgmental acceptance.
I was in awe of the things God was showing me AND how I could let them go. I desired to be like Mary at the feet of Jesus so I wiped my calendar free. I longed for God’s holy presence. Listen Bonnie and be still. This is the flow. Now let it go. Detach.
I practiced regularly consenting and surrendering. God showed me a deeper understanding of His love and mercy. I was open to His lead. I started to feel an awareness of freedom - simplicity.
My relationships, my life experiences and especially my past sufferings became the life growing pains of small paschal deaths - of blessings, of transformations and of awareness. These were my training ground for truth and grace which are the path for my life now. I am drawn to quietness and surrender. I am falling deeper in love of God’s ways and in trusting the wisdom to be me - in love in all my relationships and life experiences - I am thankful to God for introducing me to the peace of centering prayer.