With Interest.

Posted on by John Kiemele

LENT DAY 15
✎
JOHN KIEMELE
Selah Director Emeritus, Selah Center
Wellbeing Educator
Spiritual Director/Deep Listener
Program Director, Rolling Ridge Retreat Center
North Andover, Massachusetts

I am reminded the incarnation of Jesus springs,

not from obligation or requirement,

but from interest. 

Jesus interested in being with us.

This creates wide pause for me. 

Somehow that feels important for me to recognize and ponder.

Offering presence and interaction from obligation or requirement

sheds duty-light on relationship.

A turning toward because of must or have to. 

Consequently, I feel my heart turning to take ten paces

in the other direction.

Interest sheds new light. 

Interest says I want to. 

I choose. 

Interest speaks of initiative, of response. 

Interest accents authenticity.

Interest softens my edges and widens my heart. 

I watch my guard drop a bit more. 

I find my own heart’s curiosity warmly stirred. 

I even feel lightness in my attracted step.

Jesus, my ever-interested Gift,

your love seeps gently. 

Here is my heart and hand,

let us walk together today

with interest.

John Kiemele is a wellbeing educator and spiritual director who currently companions individuals, teaches various seminars and lifestyle classes, leads contemplative retreats, and also serves as Program Director at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center. With a focus on contemplative soul care, John gratefully walks alongside individuals, small groups, classrooms and congregations. Recognizing how intentional pausing and listening unlocks life, John strives to engage the whole person – body, mind, soul – in the lifelong process of living well. John received his PhD in education/spirituality from Talbot School of Theology, with post-doctoral emphases in Spiritual Direction, Mindful Self-Compassion, the Enneagram Spectrum, and Wellness Coaching.