Now it’s not that I’m old or anything. In fact, I don’t feel that way at all. I have too many ideas in my head to risk getting old quite yet. But now and then, I do notice I have a little difficulty remembering people’s names—sometimes even the names of the characters in my own novels! It can be embarrassing when someone tells me enthusiastically how much they loved Steve or Susan or Alexander in one of my novels. I try my best on these occasions not to look blank and ask ‘Who?’ But the truth is, I may well have created another whole set or two of characters since then, so I’m bound to get mixed up at times.
So when I saw the term ‘recollection’ in a book I had begun reading, ‘Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer’ by Richard Foster (IVP 2011), I was immediately interested. I have read quite a bit about prayer and soon noticed that Foster quoted from several other authors I enjoyed, such as Francois Fenelon, Madame Guyon, Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Thomas Merton and others. Yet I could not remember having come across this term ‘recollection’ before this. Could it refer to thinking back over our lives and remembering all the ways God had rescued us and blessed us, I wondered? That was bound to be it.
But then I read on. Recollection, according to Foster, ‘involves a re-collecting of ourselves until we are unified or whole. The idea is to let go of all competing distractions until we have become truly present where we are.’ Now I know, and Foster warns, that this is not an easy thing to do. But what a wonderful, healing practice to try! In our busy lives, it is so easy for us to become fragmented and scattered, with our energies dissipating this way and that, so that we almost lose our real selves in it all. As for me, I know I’m very good at skipping ahead in my mind to things coming up in the future, wondering how I will do this or that. And I’m also very good at mulling over the past, remembering the hurts or the failures or the difficult times. But the present? Well, sometimes I need to be reminded of that.
So right now, I am endeavouring to practise this ancient discipline more often in my life. Each morning, I try to take time to quieten my mind and heart, identifying and putting gently aside those things that want to force their way into my mind or those thoughts that threaten to overwhelm me. In short, I collect—or allow God to collect—those parts of me that have been so scattered and focus on the simple truth that here I am, Jo-Anne, created and loved by God. That’s all that matters at this point. Consciously, I recognise God’s presence around me, watching over me and caring for me. And I sit for a while, allowing my spirit to cease its striving and to be at rest and at peace. Then, when I am still, my focus turns to God. And just as God declares in Psalm 46:10, I know it is time to praise him and lift him up.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Is it time for you to try some re-collecting in your life too?
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
Joanna, Thanks for this. That’s why a prayer diary or something simliar is such a good thing. It helps me look back and recall the way God has answered prayers so I can start the day with praise as too often we forget. I’ve been keeping a communion journal (my title for it) for years where I keep bible readings and reflections, prayer requests written down and answers etc. I have shelves and shelves of these books. They are a great source of encouragement and inspiration at times.
Dale
http://www.daleharcombe.com
For some reason, your comment went to the ‘Spam’ section on my blog, Dale – not sure why. Thanks for your comment thought. Those journals sure sound like a real treasure. Have you ever thought of writing a book inspired by such treasures?
This is a wonderful reminder Jo- Anne. I read that book recently and really enjoyed his perspective..think I will read it again after your blog post. I need all the reminders I can get when it comes to being still and remembering his goodness.
Blessings,
Alicia
Thanks for your comments, Alicia. I think we all need these reminders to be still, don’t we? Even if we’re not physically so busy, the enemy seems to delight to keep our minds preoccupied with other things. God bless and keep you in that place of stillness.
I really liked what you wrote about being more in the present and needing to be still. I must look out for this recent Richard Foster book. Thanks for the blog and your writings there.
God bless,
Rhondda.
Thanks, Rhondda! Yes, I think in this crazy world where we become so fragmented, we need to cultivate those still moments with God. Re the book, Lionel bought it for me for Christmas in Koorong at West Ryde, but hopefully it is at Word near you as well. God bless.