Life

Emmaus in Our Midst…

A number of years ago, I recall watching a news segment where an oncologist was talking about viruses, and how throughout our lives we all have viruses that appear and then disappear. The doctor went on to say that, at times, these viruses can create cancer cells, that sometimes our bodies get rid of them, and sometimes the cells remain. Of those ones, they may one day become active, they may just stay unchanged, causing no noticeable difference or harm, or they may disappear.

These days, cancer seems rampant, not only as a health issue, but also in organizations and communities. How do we stop it? Perhaps, sometimes, we cannot. Surely, though, we cannot give up.

As I think about all the people, I know or have known who have battled cancer, more than anything the spirit with which they faced their illness comes to mind. Whether or not they survived cancer, I have no doubt that they overcame it.

While there are many cancers in the world, often eating away at and perhaps breaking us down, oftentimes in the darkness and confusion that is brought about, simply, yet beautifully comfort, peace, and strength are waiting to shine through. We must remember that we are in God’s hands. Truly, there is nothing to fear…nothing to lose. All that is, or was, will be filled with something more…something better…something greater. All that is really left, and all that really matters, is to be faithful and to believe.

Each time we allow our spirits to be lifted up and sustained by God, like Jesus, we rise. We move above, and beyond, that which would seek to destroy us.

Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), we need to recount, remember, take comfort in God’s presence, invite the Lord to walk with us… to be with us and in us. We must rejoice and, always, keep the faith.

EmmausB

Shine…

Jesus said, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him” (John 9:3). He said this in response to the disciples’ inquiry about whose sin had caused a man to be born blind. In the first book of the Prophet Samuel, when Samuel is in Bethlehem looking to see which of Jesse’s sons he is to anoint as king and successor to Saul, the Lord explains to Samuel, “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

There is an expression, “Offer it up to the Lord.” I have often heard it spoken by well-meaning people suggesting one say, “Thank you Jesus!” in response to the hardship or difficulty another may be going through. As many times as I have heard it said, it has left me pondering what they really mean and how this statement is helpful or comforting to the person who has just been incapacitated or experienced loss in some way. It is wonderful to experience offering trials and tribulations up to the Lord for oneself, but I wonder if that sentiment is often lost when instructing another to do so.

It seems that at times much can be lost in translation or we can get caught up in trying to keep a sense of order and understanding. It is human nature to want to make sense of or to be able to explain or account for things beyond one’s control. After all, no one sets out to break a leg or get sick. When it happens though we ask, “Why?” Perhaps sometimes even getting stuck in the possibilities that may have been the cause.

At the heart of the matter, it can be tempting to spend lots of time searching to see how or why something happened as we move toward what we do have some control over. We always have a choice in how we respond to a situation and in what influences our response. As with many things, it is a process. However, no matter where one may be in that process, there are always invitations to receive the grace of God. Not only that, but also to let it shine.

You, LORD, are my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures you give me repose;
beside restful waters you lead me;
you refresh my soul.
You guide me in right paths
for your name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in your house, LORD,
forever.  (Psalm 23)

Shine

Breaking Ground…

About a week ago, a good friend and I were walking along a path still covered with snow. With each step came the crunch of hardened snow beneath our feet. Also noticeable were the footprints of those who had walked along the path prior to us.

While we were walking the same path as those who came before us, our steps were different. It was as if with each crunch under our feet we were breaking new ground. My friend looked at me with a smile and said, “This reminds me of when I was a child. I used to love being outside in the snow.” I echoed my friend’s sentiment and we mused how, with age, the cold and snow had become somewhat of something to be avoided or better appreciated from within the warmth of the “great” indoors.

It was interesting how we had started out on our walk with a bit of resistance, as if to embark on a chore. However, we both ended up having a joy-filled experience. Although our walk was not what one might call an adventurous outing, simply stepping outside of the comfort zone of our homes that day certainly enkindled a spirit of adventure and a remembrance of how good it can be to brave the cold, or what one might see as less than close to ideal.

The experience was a reminder of how easy it can be to become complacent, stagnant, or for one’s zest for life to lessen, even if ever so slightly, when surrounded, day in and day out, by comfort more so than that which is new, unknown or different. Just as the cold air, the footprints of others, and the crunch made with each step on that snow-covered path brought joy, memories, and a renewed perspective to my friend and I it also brought a breath of fresh air, and with that, new life. Oftentimes breaking new ground begins with walking where others have been before, but with new eyes…remembering what was, while looking forward to what can be. We will never know until we trust the voice within, calling to our hearts, “Step out into the snow.”

BreakingGround

 

Room to Grow…

The human body contains numerous growth plates. These plates exist at the end of our bones, in areas of the body such as the foot, leg, elbow, etc. They are located in areas where there is much physical growth that occurs from birth often through early adulthood. Simply put, we were designed and created with everything we need, including room to grow.

It is no coincidence that our bodies are built with growth in mind. It is also no coincidence that at the very essence of humanity is the ability to grow in many ways, both as individuals and in communion. Often as we grow in stature, we learn through experience, or we at least have the opportunities to learn, and mature emotionally and spiritually as well.

As we handle and see our way through what once may have seemed insurmountable or far beyond reach, we grow stronger, we discover something new, or we tap into or uncover what we did not know existed within. We are multi-dimensional and that is a good thing so long as it does not lead to being pushed, pulled, or led astray.

While duplicity is all around, and is sly like a fox, it is no match for the heart that seeks and strives to be faithful and sincere.

No matter how many times one may stammer or fall, there is always Grace to be had and faith to be built upon. When we are able to ask for help, acknowledging and moving beyond our own mistakes, and forgiving others theirs, the grace of God reigns within and around us. It returns us to love, calling us to remember the truth and to realize once more that we are more alike than different. It is ready and willing to help us not only to recognize, but also guiding us to that which brings out the inherent goodness in each other; reaffirming the image of God in which we are created and helping us to grow. It is then, that we truly experience what it means to worship in Spirit and truth.

“God is Spirit, and those who worship God must worship in Spirit and truth.” – Jesus to the woman at the well in the Gospel according to John, chapter 4, verses 4-42.

DaffodilRoomToGrow

Elevation…

Within the next month or so, the tiny buds surrounded by white snow in the photo below will gradually grow and open, revealing green leaves. They will start as a lighter shade of green, somewhere in between yellow-green and lime, and they will gradually work their way toward a darker shade of green. Once there, the leaves will stay that way, at least to the human eye, throughout the remainder of spring and into the summer. Then, as summer gives way to autumn, they will turn red before they fall, eventually returning back to the earth. Each year this process occurs, and with it, the bush to which the buds belong, grows.

Buds

Beautiful as it can be to witness this cycle of birth and re-birth, it would not happen if any of the stages along the way ceased to occur. Each step throughout the year, and throughout its life, is important to the health and growth of the bush, giving it what it needs to survive the cold winter and gusty winds, as well as times of drought.

The burning bush was created to make it through…to persevere and to adapt and grow. We are no different. While the cold, white snow, and wind gusts may be a harsh reality, at the same time, they hold and carry nutrients, and condition the soil. Although they can pose a challenge, with them, we not only grow, but we thrive.

When Peter, James and John ascended the mountain with Jesus, they had no idea what they would encounter. Similarly, as we face each day, we never really know what we are about to walk into or come across. Like the disciples, we can choose to walk with Jesus, or we can choose to walk on our own.

Even when we choose to walk with Jesus, though, like Peter, James and John, we will have moments when we may experience something that causes us to become afraid, to question, or feel challenged beyond measure…beyond what we may think we can handle. In those times, remember, the radiant Son brings warmth and new life to the earth, even in the cold. “Rise, and do not be afraid.”

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” – Matthew 17:1-9

Flume2016

 

Reaching…

Do not worry. Trust in God. Seek to do God’s will and all will be well. All of creation is provided for and carries on from moment to moment and day to day. Remember this.

What great advice, no…what wisdom. Easier said than done though. With all the brain power in the human mind one would think it would be easier than it is. That it would be second nature to remember the truth and not to worry. However, it is not. It takes practice and discipline to learn or re-learn how to simply be, let alone how to think about tomorrow, but not worry or attach so many plans to it that any hope for spontaneity or re-direction is lost.

While Jesus says not to worry about tomorrow, he does not say not to think about tomorrow. He cautions us. It is good to look ahead, but to do so without jumping ahead and submerging oneself in tomorrow, leaving behind and perhaps missing out on today and the gifts, blessings and opportunities that it carries.

When one looks at the birds and see how they fly and soar so free-spirited, it is not hard to imagine that Jesus wants the same for us. Deep down, if not close to the surface, we share this desire to fly and soar untethered by worries, possessions or anything else that might seek to hold us back.

Sometimes though, maybe we are too smart for our own good. Thinking that we know what is best for us and zooming in on it to the exclusion of all things other or readily dismissing them in the hunt for the golden prize. What happens though when the goal is reached, the prize in hand and there is still something missing or awry?

Stevie Wonder sings, “Like a branch on a tree I keep reachin’ to be free…” (A Place In The Sun written by Brian Wells and Ronald N. Miller). Branches mostly reach out and up as with open arms. They are pathways and resting spots for creatures of all kinds along their way. They stand tall, soaking in the sun, swaying in the wind, bearing the rain or the weight of the snow, and faithfully…patiently waiting to bloom or for the last leaves to fall.

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone,
but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” – Martin Luther.

A tree simply, beautifully being a tree; authentically being what it was created to be. As it is with all living things that remain true, an image of strength, character and endurance. A sign for all ages.

aplaceinthesun

Waiting for dawn…

Each day, the sun rises in the east and works its way across the sky, eventually setting in the west, making way for evening. As night approaches, the moon and stars appear to light the way. Regardless of the clouds or fog…regardless of what else may be happening, this process is perpetual. One can count on it, not only based upon what we have been told and all that is written, but also based upon personal experience. It is the way it is and there is a certain rhythm to each day because of it.

It can be intriguing to consider the earth and all that is in and around it. The way it all came to be and how it works is Genius. It is also interesting to think about how our human understanding has changed throughout time as exploration has led to discovery and things that were once mystery or unknown have, over time, been revealed.

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” – John 1:29-34

John the Baptist says two times, “I did not know him,” referring to Jesus. However, through both what he had been told and what he had experienced, he came to know Him. As John went about his way, fulfilling his purpose and carrying out his life’s work, the way, the truth and the life was revealed to him.

Just as the sky reveals the sun and moon, helping us to know night from day, so too does God reveal knowledge and wisdom through both darkness and light in our everyday life. John the Baptist was told by God not only his purpose, but also how to recognize the One for whom he was preparing the way. Like the sun and the moon, regardless of the clouds or fog, God is always there, faithful and steadfast, providing insight and showing us which way to go.

God waited, and waited for me,
and when I looked up and listened,
God gave me roots to stand firm,
and wings to fly free,
but most of all, God’s love gave me
gratitude on my lips,
hope in my heart,
and a desire to truly live.

waitintfordawn2

Life’s gifts…

nativity2

The magi saw the star at its rising. They followed it and when they arrived at the place where it stopped, they honored the newborn King. They payed homage and offered not only their gifts, but also their hearts. Then, having seen and been received by “the child with Mary his mother” (Mt 2:11), the newborn King to whom they were led, they went home another way. Surely it would have been easier for them to go home the way they had come to Bethlehem, but a dream warning them not to return to Herod told them different. They received it, much the same way that they received the star at its rising; with a deep desire to go where it led. They, like the shepherds, knew which authority was worth following and it led them to Life.

Kahlil Gibran wrote, “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself” (The Prophet). Similarly each journey one might embark upon or each endeavor one may seek to carry out brings with it “Life’s longing for itself.” No journey or endeavor is mine alone. No, rather each is part of a much bigger picture. However, if they become mine alone then “Life’s longing for itself,” and the joy that accompanies it, will fade away.

If the magi had stopped their journey when they reached King Herod and found no newborn king at the place where they had expected to find him, if they had not continued following the star, or if they had ignored the dream and returned home from Bethlehem the easier way…the same route, life would have been unchanged.

God is with us, it is up to us if we want to be with God. When we do, there is Life.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising and
have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:

And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
– Matthew 2:1-12