sleeping with bread

i just received 'sleeping with bread, holding what gives you life' by the linns in the mail today.

i ordered it when i decided to add the examen to my daily disciplines. it's a lovely little book full of child-like illustrations and exercises that individuals, families or groups can use to explore this rich tool.

i knew i needed something instructive as the tapes in my head keep playing over the time i am taking each day to reflect.

the title concept is based on a metaphor child care workers used to help orphans after WWII. the book explains it this way:

During the bombing raids of World War II, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow."

what a beautiful, life-giving image - i need that as i walk into this discipline - a constant reminder that this is remembering what gives me life.