Awareness

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.”

Doe

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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Opening Up…

A couple of days ago, the skies opened up, and the rain poured down as periods of thunder and lightning worked their way through the area. While the cloud masses wrestled, trying to push through to the other side, the torrential rain was unrelenting and seemed as if it could go on without end. It drenched everything in its path, washing away loose sediment and cleansing what remained.

Waiting in the car for a break or a slow-down in the rate of precipitation, I watched with apprehension as the thunder and lightning continued, the wind picked up, and a steady overflow of water traveled down the windows. After what seemed like an inordinate amount of time, rain still pouring, I made a dash, through the stream of water across the entire driveway, into the house. I too was now drenched. However, somewhere between the car and the house as the skies remained loud as well as fully opened, and the ground beyond soaked, trepidation gave way to a spirit of courage and excitement as I made my way to the threshold and crossed over it. Once inside, I looked back, amazed at both the way the rain continued to fall and how exhilarating it was to go through the rain and water to get to dry “land.”

There is always a way, even in times when it may seem like the roads are all washed out, or there are no paths to take. Listen, and as Jesus said, “Be opened!” (Mark 7:34)

Direction

Trust and You Will See…

Yes! I can see it! Something new!

Noticing the flowers that were in full bloom among those that were just breaking out of the bud, and alongside those that were still tightly wound, enclosed in leaves of green, it was easy to take in the beauty of what was there and find joy in the anticipation of what seemed sure to be… more flowers.

When my children were much younger they had a few classroom activities throughout their preschool and early elementary school years that highlighted the cycle of life for plants and animals. I remember both their interest and their awe at each new stage or milestone. I also recall their lack of interest during the times of “stagnancy”… when it seemed nothing was happening.

One year there was the small clay pot filled with soil that eventually sprouted a stalk and green beans. For what seemed like an eternity to my children—two weeks—the pot of soil seemed the same, day after day. However, with care and proper attention, beneath the surface, buried in the soil, the seed was changing and growing the whole time. Then one day, the stalk was there. It seemed like it came out of nowhere.

It is so much easier to trust that something worthwhile lies ahead, is coming into existence, or is already happening when one can see or sense even the tiniest of signs. This is no secret. Not only do we know it, but so does God.

Seek signs, but first ask God for them.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me,
delivered me from all my fears. – Psalm 34:5

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On the Edge, Greatness…

At the beginning of the week, as I looked out the window and scanned the back yard, I spotted a doe, yes, “a dear, a female deer,” at the edge of the grass path that leads to the woods. Although tempted to step away to get my camera to try to capture the moment, instead I stayed and watched. For quite some time the doe just stood there in its peaceful, patient way, nibbling at the leaves of a branch. Every so often it lifted its head to glance all around, surveying and taking in the environment with its big, beautiful, pensive eyes. Then, in what seemed like a flash, it was gone, heading off deeper into the woods.

Thinking about this experience, I am struck by the faith that is needed to go into, or to return to, the wilderness. Yet, it is this very same faith that calls creation to the place that is less familiar, less comfortable, or perhaps altogether unknown. Even more, it is the same faith that assures us, moving us toward peace and patience, and helping us to know, we are never alone.

True faith awakens and arises us, calling us closer to the edge, and whispering: Come. Come deeper into the mystery that is God.

In Every Age – by Janet Sullivan Whitaker

Long before the mountains came to be
and the land and sea and stars of the night,
through the endless seasons of all time,
you have always been,
you will always be.

In ev’ry age, O God,
you have been our refuge.
In ev’ry age, O God,
you have been our hope.

Teach us to make use of the time we have.
Teach us to be patient even as we wait.
Teach us to embrace our ev’ry joy and pain.
To sleep peacefully,
and to rise up strong.

In ev’ry age, O God,
you have been our refuge.
In ev’ry age, O God,
you have been our hope.

You have been our refuge
You have been our hope.

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Wholehearted…

There is the saying, “Silence is golden,” yet we know this is not always the case. Oftentimes silence can cast a shadow, creating division and unrest, perhaps worse than words of ill will. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

As with so many things, there are appropriate times and places for silence, as well as ones for speaking out and making noise. While the times and places may vary, what is to be held back and what is to be spoken is best done prayerfully, with an open heart and mind.

In Psalm 95, it is written, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” It is easy for our minds to conjure up an image or description of a hardened heart. Surely, a person with a hardened heart is easy to spot… angry, grumpy, bitter, frowning, self-righteous, etc. However, a hardened heart is also, among other things, one that is superficial, looks the other way in the face of wrongs, or causes one to remain silent at a time that calls for speaking out. A hardened heart, at its root is self-serving and self-interested. It cannot be judged solely by appearance, and if being honest, we all have times in our lives or instances where, whether we realize it or not, a part of our heart, is in fact, hardened.

We are all called to live authentically in both word and deed. Throughout our lives, we are called to face challenges when the temptation might be to recoil from them. This is something that is only possible with a pliable heart… one that is intent on listening to the Voice that truly matters.

“If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.”

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A Better Deal…

Even during the darkest nights of the year, or in our lives, there are so many stars in the sky and so many bright spots for us to see each day. Among them, and always there, is the Star that came before all others and leads the way, only to be missed so often. Jesus said, “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13:33).

The time is now. It has always been now. Jesus was in front of the disciples when he spoke the above words to them. Jesus, “God with us,” is always present. Oftentimes when we cannot see, we may ask, “Where are you, Lord?” Imagine if we actually heard the response, “I’m right here. Where are you?”

During such a busy time of year, advertisements abound at a level 2… 3… 4 times or more than the typical volume. We are beckoned, in so many ways, toward discounts often referred to as amazing deals. In the mix, it can be easy to move away from the best deal ever. One that is available no matter who you are or where you are — Salvation.

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And, the Sun…

Amongst the many voices and other various noises as the events of a day unfold, reside the quieter, more subtle, sometimes missed happenings. Whether during celebratory or somber times, there are signs… gifts… blessings ever-present. It is as if they are there to acknowledge, “Yes, that…, but also this.” Perhaps they are there to help one remember, or to consider, all that is true in any given moment. It seems at every turn, there is opportunity to receive peace, strength, wisdom, joy… whatever grace may be needed or may be of benefit to those present, close by, and even far away.

Oftentimes, there is so much more than what may be immediately in front of us, or surrounding us. Yet, it can be easy to forget that. Even worse, it can be easy to become focused on a single piece or a fraction of the whole and to exclude the picture in its entirety from consideration.

We must remember, it is not only the sun that rises and sets, but also the moon. Together, they help to make the day complete.

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