God’s presence

If Today You Hear…

Looking across the room and then glancing down, I see ridges all around—like a welling up of paths. Whether taken in patches or one by one, they give the appearance of being well-traveled in some spots and lightly, or not at all in others. It is not unlike the journey of coming and going throughout the years.

So many paths not only along the way, but also sometimes in it. Then, in the ways we travel, we often weave, and as we do, some paths seem steadier, tried and true, and we visit them with greater frequency. While other paths, are traversed less often, sometimes only at a gentle coaxing from within or a push from expectations on the outside pressing in. And finally, there are the paths that are perhaps averted altogether. For good, or not?

There are a great number of ways as we go. Each has its own enticements. However, to stay on a track worth trekking, one needs the help of inspiration. Shifting gears and tuning into motivation, influence has a multitude of sources. They are, more or less, good or bad, better or worse, and more, but it’s always wise to explore them, to discover what’s really at the core.  

In looking underneath the surface, discernment is waiting to be used. While hope is the light that moves us, discernment, when it’s true, is earnest, and looks to help us as we choose. We slip and slide when we lose focus, and quite often, wisdom escapes us. But motivation stores the details of one’s heart and is always within reach. It brings forth words and actions, and influences replies. It’s where God is calling to us to love, but often gets denied.  

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” – Mk 1:7-11

Genesis bringing Light all The Way through…

If not for the memory of the Light, I could not stand the silence in the darkness of the night.

In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth—and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters—Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good. God then separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” Evening came, and morning followed—the first day.

– Genesis 1:1-5

On the eve of Christmas, in a year, that so many are glad, is coming to an end, there is so much up in the air. At times, it seems as if the world is pending, wobbling like a coin as its spin is heading toward an end. Yet, time continues, faith remains, and still, a hearty globe—goodness here and there—Goodness, always in the air. We think we wait, but really, all of Life believes in us, and is awaiting our arrival.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

– John 1:1-5
Illustration by Nicola Gregory

Give Us This Day…

In a couple of days, it will be the shortest day of the year for some people and the longest day of the year for others. On December 21st, in the Northern Hemisphere it will be the Winter Solstice and daylight hours will be fewer than any other day in the year, and at the same time, in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the Summer Solstice and daylight hours will be greater than any other day in the year. Other than in a geography class, long and far ago, I cannot say that I have ever really thought much about that prior to today. Yet, as I do, I think about how remarkable it is that no matter where one stands, and no matter how experiences may vary, far and wide, the promise is forever, and the parts, although they matter… they are never greater than the Whole.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:26-38

Play it again…

Here and there throughout the years, a woodpecker or two take a liking to the backyard, and then the shed, or even sometimes the house. At that point, paths tangled, it becomes CD time. And so, with fishing line, one by one, the ornaments are hung in hopes of protecting the outside of the shed and house.

Initially, as the CDs inflect, reflect, and deflect the rays of light that shine their way throughout the day, they deter not only the woodpeckers, but also the cardinals, robins, and blue jays that are normally here. However, after a week or so, thankfully, the others seem to remember, or become aware of what is going on, and they return home. Then, looking out from the inside, the backyard is back to the more typical flutter of more inspiring activity.  

It is interesting how, whether inside or out, day or night, there is the shimmering of Light, sometimes brighter or more noticeable. Always present though. And, while it drives away some, it draws in others.

Inflecting… reflecting… deflecting… resonating life. Calling to one, calling to all, trust… believe… stay the Path.

The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth. – Psalm 145:18

Awash…

As each wave comes ashore, along the way it covers all that is lower lying. Sometimes stacking up, it covers higher ground too. Then as it recedes, it pulls back toward the ocean all that is loose or unanchored, leaving a murky mixture of unsettled sand and water behind.

The movement is constant, the intensity waxing and waning, turning motion into commotion at times. Yet, standing in the water, witnessing and experiencing the ebb and flow, toes, then feet and more, under water, swaying… sometimes shifting for better footing, sometimes falling over, but ultimately finding the way, and keeping balance amid conditions of low visibility.  So much like the days we are in, so much tossed about, up in the air, or sinking.

Still though, in between the waves, and even within, there is Hope. There are always moments of clarity where despite murky water all around, the anchor, tried and true, still holds, and the floor of sand with its assorted pebbles, rocks, and shells can be seen. For water that moves always comes clean. Always, always, refreshing the soul… renewing the heart.

May God enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to our call. – Ephesians 1:18

Awash

To the Limit…

Under the best of circumstances there are moments that can stretch one to what feels like the end of the line or heading into an abyss. Over the past several months enduring all that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic, on top of the more typical challenges of life, has added entirely new layers to our existence. In many ways, one might say that we are often being pushed to our limits.

When the prophet, Elijah, stepped out from the safety of the cave, he did so trusting the voice of God that called upon him to do so. Prior to reaching Horeb and the cave within it, Elijah, his life in danger for being a vessel of Truth, had fled Samaria and was “on the run” for 40 days and nights. In the First Book of Kings, chapter 19, verse 4, when he says, “Enough, Lord! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” it certainly seems he has reached his breaking point or been pushed to the brink of what he can tolerate.

However, it is exactly at this point, that Elijah finds respite, laying down, or taking a break. What looks like the end, as is often the case, becomes a new or different beginning, a new leg of the journey. After some sleep, a messenger of the Lord wakes Elijah up and prompts him to eat and drink, and then keep moving on. Under the direction of God, eventually, he arrives at the place, another place, where he meets God once again.

This many thousands of years later, trying as well as unimaginable days still exist, and they are experienced by one and all, in various ways, across the world…across the universe. Yet, at the very same time, there is God, in the urgent fleeing of Elijah, the messenger along the way, in each and every step toward the mountain and into the cave. There is God, constant… continuing presence, through great winds, the quaking of the earth, and in the burning of the fire.

And, also, there is God in the whisperings of the day, beckoning to all who might listen… endless opportunities to recognize, and face, the limits of our patience or understanding. There are so many ways to discover the essence of who we are called to be, and to seek the courage to stand up, come forward to the entrance of the cave, and be true to the Vision.

ToTheLimit

At the mountain of God, Horeb,
Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter.
Then the LORD said to him,
“Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD;
the LORD will be passing by.”
A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains
and crushing rocks before the LORD—
but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake—
but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake there was fire—
but the LORD was not in the fire.
After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.
When he heard this,
Elijah hid his face in his cloak
and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. – 1 Kings 19:9A, 11-13A

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

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

The “Well” in Well-being…

Memories make their mark in different ways and in varying degrees. One indelibly etched in my mind is that of being told, “I may not know and see everything, but God does.” Hearing these words as a child, no matter how they were intended, was not of any comfort at all, but rather intimidating, or better put, scary. Who was this God that was all-knowing and all-seeing? And, more importantly, where was this God?

It is interesting how, without personal experience and proper or complete context, what we hear and see can become the source of misunderstanding, unrest, and/or perhaps become crippling in ways that may not be so apparent. This is why it is so important to take what we hear and see from others and look at it more closely, contemplating what we hear and see for ourselves, and taking it to heart in the context of all the pieces involved, what we experience, and what we come to know and sense through the process.

In the Gospel according to John, in the story of the woman at the well (John 4:5-42), the woman said of Jesus, “He told me everything I have done.” Then it is written:

When the Samaritans came to him,
they invited him to stay with them;
and he stayed there two days.
Many more began to believe in Jesus because of his word,
and they said to the woman,
“We no longer believe because of your word;
for we have heard for ourselves,
and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” – (John 4:39-42).

Though the Samaritans had heard about Jesus from the woman at the well, they also needed to hear Jesus for themselves. In such a fast-paced world, where time seems to slip away so often, it can be tempting to rely solely on others, or to forego taking the time or making the effort to hear Jesus for ourselves. However, it is only in doing so, that the answers to “who” and “where” God is, are revealed; truth becomes known, the ways of love and justice become visible, and both are etched more deeply into mind and heart.

Lord, as we walk through each day, help us to take all that we experience, the joyful, as well as the difficult and challenging, into prayer, and help us to make room to hear you. Help us to let go of the old and out-worn, and to embrace You, and Your ways, with grateful hearts, so that our lives may be examples of your glory in all things.

For this, we pray… Lord, hear our prayer.

WAW