Awareness

Resonance…

Recently, there have been a number of times, when looking out the window, the birds that are usually fluttering and moving from one spot in the yard to another, have been awfully still. They have been hanging around in one area of the grass or perched on a branch much longer than usual. Then yesterday afternoon, another of our frequent visitors, a rabbit, was not just eating, but was also sprawled out, as if reclining on the grass as it was eating. I had never seen that before and found it rather curious. Then I thought, it must be hurt, but it wasn’t. After watching for a minute or two, I went off to do something else, and when I returned, the rabbit was in its more usual, upright position.

Today, sitting at the kitchen island, it is not long before I become aware of the ticking of the clock or the buzzing of messages received by cell. Even in another spot, not long before there is something else calling attention or looking to be tended to, remembered not forgotten. And while I may perceive these all as I go about my way, sometimes at a quickened pace, sometimes still, others passing through and moving on, it is only when I really stop and take the time to listen, that my heart can open up not only to hear, but also to remember, the Truth beyond the mission.

Earlier this week, I came across the following prayer. A great reminder of all the reasons why—The Reason why. It is by John Henry Cardinal Newman, whose motto was “Cor ad cor loquitur” or “Heart speaks to heart.” It’s about all that matters…

Dear Jesus, help me to spread your fragrance everywhere I go;
Flood my soul with your spirit and life;
Penetrate and possess my whole being so completely
That all my life may be only a radiance of yours;
Shine through me and be so in me
That everyone with whom I come into contact
May feel your presence within me.
Let them look up and see no longer me—but only Jesus.
Amen.

– Saint John Henry Newman

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Drawing Wise…

Drawing, in its various forms, is something that all people tend to do. Although not necessarily the kind of drawing that is by hand, certainly the kind of drawing that informs or leads to conclusions, maybe even actions.

Stepping outside, I am drawn to the beauty of the trees and the composition spread across the sky. After a period of pause, I am moved to capture, or at least try, and then to share the scene.

Throughout each day, there are moments of drawing, being drawn in, and opportunities to take notice. In those moments and following them, what happens?

In the Book of Sirach, it is written:

With all your soul draw close to Wisdom;
and with all your strength keep her ways.
Inquire and search, seek and find;
when you get hold of her, do not let her go.
Thus at last you will find rest in her,
and she will become your joy. – Sirach 6:26-28

In a world so steeped in competition, mastering the art of out-preparing, and getting “there” first, Wisdom can seem so elusive. And sometimes, to wait for it, may seem a strategy for those who are passive, or even worse, it may seem like forfeiture or a giving up. Yet, Wisdom knows all too well, waiting is not for the faint of heart.

Saint Augustine wrote, “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” In current times, patience seems to wear thin, and in moving about, it can seem as if all are strangers in a strange land. There are so many twists and turns, and maneuvering and holding on among competing interests, can easily find its way toward the never lasting.

To this, Wisdom says:

Look around for all that is worthwhile;
“faithful in words and holy in works” (Psalm 145:13).
Be drawn into each experience,
and from it, draw,
but only that which is worthwhile;
“faithful in words and holy in works.”

Wisdom is all around, but, oh, how often, one misses this, while going after “that.”

Wisdom

We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies.

The heroism we recite
Would be a daily thing,
Did not ourselves the cubits warp
For fear to be a king.  – Emily Dickinson, We Never Know How High We Are (1176)

Peace, piece by piece…

As we remain afloat in a sea of COVID-19 and political, social, and financial unrest, we are in the midst of much that aspires to debilitate and obliterate. As it carries on, sometimes it can seem like this state of disarray could go on forever. However, despite it all, progress comes as waves of truth and courage continue to rise. More and more join in, standing up and speaking out, seeking to overcome the past, and to affect long awaited change.

Sometimes, it is a matter of coming to see, that as the big things knock us out or push us back, our peace lies in the little things. The little things, like the way a squirrel gathers acorns, one at a time, teach us wisdom and move us forward. Step after step, it is the little things and all that is in between, that truly push us ahead and lead us to the places where we need to be.

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” – John Wooden

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On Deck…

In a time and place where focus can often be drawn toward what’s next or what’s on deck, there stands Epiphany, ever calling one back, gently, to pause in the Light.

Seeing that careful observation was part of their daily practice, those who were called wise, not only saw the sign, but were also aware of its significance and moved by it into action.

We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. – Matthew 2:2

According to Scripture, the magi came from the east and journeyed over the course of days and nights, and then some more days and nights, not knowing the exact destination. Yet, they remained faithful, eventually reaching the place to which they were guided.

Path

What about those from the west? And those already there? Did they also see the star from its rising? What signs did they see or hear? Were they too closed, or too quick to assume that what they were waiting and looking for, could not possibly be in their midst already?

What, if anything, did they recognize?

See, darkness covers the earth,
and thick clouds cover the peoples;
but upon you the LORD shines,
and over you appears his glory. – Isaiah 60:2

Epiphany

The Heart That Seeks…

At the beginning of the second chapter of the Book of the prophet Isaiah, it is written that the people of all nations shall strive together toward the house of the Lord, saying:

“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that we may be instructed in God’s ways,
and we may walk in God’s paths.” (verse 3)

In the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 24, verses 37-44, in speaking to the disciples about being prepared for the day of the Lord, Jesus says,

“Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left” (verses 40-41).

On the surface, to the human eye, or mind, there is no discernible difference between the one who is taken and the one who is left in this passage. And, in the end, only God truly knows.

However, Jesus seems to be making the point that it does not matter what one does. It does not matter whether one “falls in line” (or out), but rather the reason for doing so, or not, is what matters. That is, what is in one’s heart? What is one preparing, or preparing for? And, who is really being served, and how so?

Returning to the prophet Isaiah, it is clear, many nations and many people. Also, many are the ways and the paths of God. Again, only God truly knows. Yet, while the exact time and place, and what lies ahead, may be a mystery, the heart that seeks is always connected, helping one to be awake to the pulse of the Spirit.

There is no need to look for God here or there. He is no farther away than the door of your own heart. – Meister Eckhart

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Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Matthew 24:37-44

Reserved Seating…

Beginning in the early years of life, one comes to see that seating can be tricky, sometimes even turning contentious. From a very young age, many children are introduced to musical chairs. To be first (often synonymous with best) and beat out others in securing a coveted seat, of which there are too few, is the goal of the game. If you do not get a seat, you’re out of the game—eliminated.

Across the years as well as across various different areas of life, securing a “good” seat seemingly remains a key to many things. Whether one is attending an event related to school, sports, dinner, entertainment, travel, the celebration of milestones, etc., it seems human nature to aim for a seat with a prime view. In the Gospel according to Luke (chapter 14: 7-14), Jesus encourages us to refrain from this way of being and not to take the coveted seat, or hold it for those who are held in esteem or known to us.

Rather than aiming to obtain a particular spot, or slide into a position, we are to trust that what is passed up or given away, if it is truly for us, will come back to us. In addition, Jesus instructs us to be gracious, making room physically, as well as in our hearts and minds, for others. Calling us to look at and examine our reservations. What are the spots being held back or blocked off? What is preventing seating for all?

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He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Then he said to the host who invited him,
“When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 14:7-14

Buck…

After a brief wait of silence and darkness, there it was—a buck. It entered into view, sauntered around, and then moved on, disappearing just as it had appeared. I quietly watched, in awe of its tranquil but purposeful movement and noticing its antlers. Perhaps this was the older version of the same buck that passed through a couple of months earlier. If so, my how it had grown in a relatively short period. Beyond its features, especially its antlers that were more pronounced, it seemed more sure-footed and astute in the way it carried itself.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to see the nighttime movement of a number of animals as captured by a family member’s trail camera. It has been both interesting and fascinating to observe the way these creatures move about, crossover, and pass through the yard and woods behind it. They appear uninhibited, but at the same time quiet, reserved, and respectful.

In the hours of the night and into the dawn, the environment not only holds peace, but also gives it. It is one with room for pensive pauses and calming paces. Sometimes, what the darkness of night offers can be encouraging and uplifting, just as much as that of day.

Strength and wisdom come, inner stillness enlightening each night and every day.

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A psalm of David.
LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?

Whoever walks without blame,
doing what is right,
speaking truth from the heart;

Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor;
Who disdains the wicked,
but honors those who fear the LORD;
Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest,
accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Whoever acts like this
shall never be shaken. – Psalm 15

Rooted…

Sometimes, while thinking about or waiting and watching for one thing, another comes along unexpected. At other times, what may be considered routine and predictable… a sure thing does not occur. Traveling in a group, some headed into the forest, toward the mountain for hiking while others stayed, opting for a walk at a lower altitude instead.

Along the hike, there were trails, trees, and water. Along the walk, there were also trails (sidewalks), trees, and water. The wildlife heard and seen by both groups was very different though. While one might expect the woods and mountains to be the place for spotting animals, on this particular morning, the wildlife seemed to be with the walkers.

Despite this reversal, both groups returned enlivened and at peace. With a calm that only nature’s Source can bring forth. For as Simone Weil wrote, “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”

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Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. – Psalm 66:1

Breaking Away…

Looking out the window, in the midst of being stuck on something for work, I wondered why the flow of cars had come to a stop. It was not even close to commuter traffic time. I stood up and went closer to the window to try to see what was happening outside. As I surveyed the street to the right and then back to the left, all at once the reasons for the holdup came into view.

The two beautiful horses that are normally fenced in across the street were leisurely jogging on the sidewalk, past the stopped cars on the road. I watched in awe as they calmly made their way down the street. Just as they passed my house, they started to turn left toward their home field, but then briefly paused and turned right, crossing the street at a wide opening between some cars, and taking a break in a next door neighbor’s front yard.

They seemed to be enjoying the air outside their usual stomping grounds. They stood there for a few moments, completely unaware of the angst of those trying to carefully restore them to those very grounds. They looked so very majestic and peaceful too.

While the horses breaking free and strolling around the neighborhood caused a bit of a stir, stopping traffic and leading officers to the scene, they were eventually led back to their enclosure. Everyone, horses, owners, officers, witnesses of the “jail” break, and passersby alike, continued on their way safe and sound. I went back to work, no longer stuck.

It is interesting how taking a little time to check things out, especially the unexpected, can bring with it an opportunity for great joy, an encounter or experience that can brighten an ordinary day, and perhaps even lead to insight and discovery of one kind or another. All of us, like the horses running down my street, need to step away or move into a different space at times, and take a breath of fresh air.

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A Walk in the Woods…

As we entered the woods, we were drawn from one path to another. The hustle and bustle of the everyday was left behind, replaced with sounds of a different… simpler… more pure kind. The further we walked, the more deeply in touch we became with our surroundings.

With each step, we traveled closer to the center, quietly, gently becoming part of a different world. We were surrounded by life, even in that which seemed at first glance to be without it. Layers of decaying leaves, fallen branches, and tree trunks, all returning to the earth, carrying nutrients from the past through the present and into the future. A reminder that when we remain in union with Creation, when we live and breathe Truth, all is One; there is no difference between life and death.

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it within us, or we find it not. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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