Reflections from Sister Lynne Smith
By the time I saw the third ad for Benedictine Women of Madison that read “We welcome women of any Christian denomination,” I told myself I had to look into it because it could mean me.
At the time, I was a Presbyterian minister serving a church in Iowa. My spiritual life had taken a turn toward the contemplative life as a result of a retreat I made some years before. I contacted the community and began to come periodically for retreats.
After a process of discernment with the sisters, I moved here in June 1998. Common prayer (especially singing the Psalms), the community’s vision and a desire to lead a balanced life drew me here. Ecumenism and care for the earth are also dear to my heart. Living here gives me an opportunity to offer my gifts both to the community and to the many people who come here. Life in the community calls me to go deeper into myself and into God and to develop new parts of myself.
As a life-long Presbyterian, I find many connections between my faith tradition and the Rule of Benedict. The priority of scripture and collaborative decision-making are just two places where these traditions are complementary.
In addition to raising awareness about our community, I like to work in the garden, ice skate, cross country ski, and work with clay.
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