In Monday’s post, I unpacked some thoughts about “liminal space,” and I told you I felt like I have been experiencing this in recent weeks. I hope you’ll read on for some additional insights …

I love this photo of a young couple pausing to ponder before crossing a “liminal” threshold at the site of the ancient St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Scotland.

In Monday’s post, I explained, “Liminal” is derived from the Latin word “limen,” which means “threshold” and involves movement from one place to another. When I consider this word, I imagine a time of transition involving one or more facets of my ‘whole soul.’ The movement may be physical, emotional, relational, intellectual, or spiritual. During a time of liminality, I may feel a bit confused by both hopeful anticipation and disquieting disorientation.”

I also told you that since mid-July, I have been meditating on a passage of scripture. During this time, I’ve read, re-read, mused about, and memorized these words:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV) – emphasis is mine

Philippians is a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to his friends in the northeastern Greek city of Philippi. While doing some research for this post, I came across a great site (Paul and the Philippians: Lesson 5 in Paul’s Prison Epistles). I realized Paul was writing from a “liminal space” when he wrote this letter.

Quoting from the Introduction: “Paul wrote Philippians at a time when he was suffering in prison, when he was weary and wondered if he might soon lose his life for Christ. And he wrote to people he loved. So his words to the Christians in Philippi were heavy but caring; sad but consoling; appreciative but bittersweet. As we study this epistle, we must always keep in view that, from Paul's perspective, these could well be his final words to his faithful Christian friends.” https://thirdmill.org/seminary/lesson.asp/vid/21

Yesterday, I had coffee with a friend who finds herself in a “liminal space.” During this season, she is wrestling with matters of aging and mortality. To help clarify her conflicting emotions and thoughts, she told me that like the Apostle Paul, she has written a letter to people she loves dearly and who will be impacted most by complications related to her aging process—whatever that might look like. The parts of the letter she shared with me were lovely sentiments and reminded me of the aging mission statement I was convinced I MUST write when I turned 50.

Aging is such a peculiar process! It’s been well over 20 years since I wrote these words, and nowadays I think of 50-year-olds as “the kids.” The words, however, still ring true for me, and I thought some of you might enjoy considering them.

Writing that letter to his friends may have helped Paul, and I believe, like my friend did, writing can help us sort through some of those betwixt and between issues we face during liminal seasons.

We not only need each other, but we learn from each other. Like Paul said, Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.

I learned something yesterday from my friend, which I plan to “put into practice.” I hope you may have learned something today from my thoughts you will be able to “put into practice.”

Thursday Thoughts When I Find Myself in a “Liminal Space”

Monday Moment | with Thanks and a Thought