Being in the world

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

BlueJay1

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

Sql

Museum Days…

In ordinary times, it seems many things fly by, or slip away, unnoticed or forgotten. This week, thinking about summer fast approaching and revisiting memories of summer days gone by, a visit to a university art museum came to mind. When going to a museum there is often a feeling of enthusiasm and openness to seeing many different types and styles of art from various cultures and periods throughout history, all in the same place at the same time.

When reminiscing about this museum visit, what rose to the surface was a piece of art titled, Ave Mariam #2, by the artist Agus Suwage. I remember being struck by how different it was than any other rendering I had seen before. I also recall seeing it from a far, not knowing who it was supposed to be or who the artist might have been. What stood out, and drew me in closer, was the heart.  As I moved forward, it was as if my heart, the heart of the subject, and the heart of the artist joined together, becoming one.

The past few months have been very different than many could have ever dreamed. For many, plans, hopes, or dreams erased as lessons gone by, removed from a board.  Yet, in what can feel like a long, strange flow of time, where division, deceit, and animosity are overflowing, among all the grief, it seems much has been, and remains, to be gained. It is as if the Universe is screaming… pleading, “Unity!”

While most schools around here are finished with, or finishing up, the academic year, it seems we are back in school. These are “Museum days.” If only the spirit that permeates the inside of the museum encountered such willing participants outside as well. There is so much to take in. There is still so much to learn, so much diversity to appreciate, and so many hearts to come together, to be uplifted and inspired toward the peace that greater awareness and authenticity create.

Lord, help us, Your body, to be moved by the Holy Spirit to partake in Your goodness in all our encounters and endeavors, for the glory of God. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

AveMariam2

Something new… something old…

With all the volatility throughout the world right now, it can be difficult to wade through differences of opinion and the debates, sometimes heated, that come from them. Socrates said, “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.”  

Oftentimes, in situations that engender competing factions, the best way to proceed is by laying aside one’s own point of view, at least temporarily, and trying to understand the experience of others.

Earlier this week, I received an email that contained statistics that were not the most recent statistics available. However, beyond the numbers, the message contained some examples of social injustice in areas that I am not sure I had previously considered. What shined through loud and clear was that it can be easy to become isolated or insulated from the experience of others. More often than not, there is a greater tendency to try to find the place where one fits in, and then, to comfortably live and stay there. Inevitably, by doing so, diversity and openness become lost more easily, and learning lessens. The voices and the experience of others… those on the edges or completely outside of the place where we have come to reside, become invisible or simply “not my experience,” so they may be dismissed, without much consideration.

This is the crux of the matter… of many matters. When there is little or no room for consideration, or an unwillingness to separate from what is comfortable, preferred, presumed, or seen as “known,” there is also usually little or no room for true dialogue or change—something more than superficial. Without open and honest listening and sharing, without coming together, how can we possibly come to understand?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. – 2 Cor 13:13      

SomethingNewSomethingOld

When There Are No Words…

Nothing more to be said or written. What is there to do when it seems there are no more words? What happens when the cries and pleas of those in need are ignored? When ears are deaf, and eyes are blind to the underlying angst and pain? When shaking heads do not cease to shake and wonder, “Why?”

Discord, disparity, outrage, and disbelief build to the beaten down, and the rhythm utters, “Too much! Too much!” Yet, in some places, perhaps in pockets unseen or not noticed, the tide is slowly turning. Faith, courage, and wisdom are building from a whisper, and the voice of Truth is coming, “Enough! Enough!”

Oftentimes, whether they are good or bad times, happy or sad, the most powerful thing is to step back and allow oneself to be filled with the Breath of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, in memory and honor of all that was, that is, and that will be. For standing firm in the loving presence of God, makes it possible to stand firm with peace and knowledge in one’s heart and mind, and provides the strength to forge ahead.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
                                 – Matt Crocker, Joel Houston & Salomon Ligthelm
from Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Pentecost2020

O most blessed Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of yours,
And our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray. – excerpt Veni Sancte Spiritus

Taken…

Taking in the scenery and the life in and around it, it is amazing to see the manner in which some travel back, some to and fro or here and there, and some not at all. It is also enlightening to watch as “homes” are built or tidied up, the hunt is on for a snack, or the landing as it’s time for a nap. So many things going on, some seen and some not. So many different creatures moving at their own pace, making and finding their way. All happening in the same place, and room for all.

Over the course of many weeks, it has seemed, more than ever in my lifetime, like all are relatively in the same boat. One can imagine or say with quiet confidence, throughout time, this is what it is like, whenever the world, as one and all know it, is turned upside down. Spirit of generosity, Lord, how wonderful the abundance of your presence, even in scarce or scariest of times.

Why does it seem that human hearts grow closer when it seems that there is no other choice? As options grow, will the leanings toward each other fade? Oh Solidarity, when, ever, will students learn the lesson?

Feeling concerned… preoccupied, I seek space… a place, unoccupied. Then, as the gentle breeze blows, it pushes lines across the water. The water where so many things are going on, some seen and some not. So many different creatures moving at their own pace, making and finding their way. All happening in the same place, and room for all. Then, as the gentle breeze blows, it lessens the lines in my reflection. Spirit of generosity, Lord, how wonderful the abundance of your presence, at all times.

I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. – Psalm 27:13

Taken

Caught up…

The plane crossed over the pond, leaving behind trails of condensation high in the sky. Following its path, as it veered westward, something else, also left behind, came into view. A fishing bob, also above, hanging from one of many branches. It was as if gently placed, decoration to be discovered, rather than the result of errant casting from a pole.

While it’s likely that the person who put the bob in its current place was not pleased at it being hung up in a tree, from the other side, it was delightful to come across, and, in a way, uplifting as well. A sky of blue and “rainbow” of white, bringing light behind the budding branches, as if cheering them on, full support. Then, out of place, but not tangled up, or in distress, this orb of white and orange, hanging on, but not hung up.

Oftentimes, God turns to gold, bringing back into the fold, that which is unintended, out of line, or left behind.

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

Up

To Boldly Go…

It is interesting to see the way that seemingly unrelated things can create connections or deepen them, adding dimensions and building on the universe of faith. In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, after reading and imagining the Scripture passage often referred to as, or titled, the Good Shepherd, the line, “To boldly go where no man has gone,” from the opening of a show I used to watch in earnest in my younger days, springs forth.

As we continue to learn how to navigate in a world facing so many new challenges alongside the old and unresolved issues, to manage unexpected changes, and endure the multitude of uncertainty, it is difficult to plan for anything yet alone to figure out which voice or voices deserve more than consideration. How is this really any different though, than what Faith, Justice, and Love call us to each and every day, since the beginning of time?  Whether we like it or not, whether we think we are ready for it or not, we are constantly being drawn… ever being asked to venture out, and always being invited to join Jesus and, in faith, “To boldly go where no man, woman, or child has gone before.”

In the Gospel according to John, chapter 10, verses 2-5, Jesus says,

“…But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”

In this passage, and in the example of Jesus’ life, we see new ways of looking at familiar people, places, and situations. The Pharisees are not the gatekeeper or the gate, and the sheep are not confined or limited to a passive existence. Also, the only ways are ones that go through, not around, over, under, or in between.

“When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice.” Again, Jesus, does not describe a situation where the sheep are called, counted, and then left in place. The sheep are called and then “led” and “driven” by the Voice they follow. It is the One that leads to life in exponential ways. The One that leads to life that is eternal.

It is bold because, as seen through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, although it is inborn, part of the image in which all is created, it often requires going against the grain.

It is bold because it leads to stretching and creating new patterns and new dimensions while remaining faithful.

It is bold because it is born out of times that carry great challenges, unrest, and uncertainty.

It is bold because it often works against all odds, bringing true benefit to all.

It is bold because it originates, lives, and breathes, as led by the universal voice of God, who is also bold, calling us to be who we are in all circumstances… to be many parts, different but the same, in One body, united in One heart.

In these times of being asked to stay in place, may we approach each day, Lord, with the boldness of heart that reminds us, and all those around us, that we are your people, and You, are our God.   

ToBoldlyGo

Zooming in…

There is an abundance of Light in and around the world. It is here in the stillness, near and far. It is here in the paces, back and forth, and every action in between. It is present in every place and across all time, bestowing Grace.

Even in times of great stress, loss, and separation, in the midst of darkness and deprivation, there is, always, Illumination.

Look around for what is Bright… Place Hope in the Giver of Life… Be inspired by the Light.

Lord, you will show us the path to life. – Psalm 16:11a

Light2