Flowers and an icicle do not seem to fit together, and yet, they do, or they did yesterday. From a distance, each called attention in its own manner, a splash and depth of color and a long, glass-like spear.
Up close, and from numerous angles, with the light, and contrasted against the background, the delicate nature of each made prominent. There were so many petals, all the same composition, with similar shapes, and tips with greater variation, but coming together as one in each flower.
Then, the icicle, seemingly one big, smooth flow of water, many molecules, frozen… stuck in time. Yet, stepping nearer, not so plain and clear, layers, twists, and turns coming together to create it.
The beauty of nature in all its various forms comes into presence, like life… like love… like God, in both the expected and unexpected ways.
Embracing the moment, quietly, silently, gratefully, and allowing it to saturate one’s being, is the beginning of knowing, exercising, and extending Love. It is true that Love is timeless, and for the times, but in order to carry on toward fruition, Love must be experienced and embodied. For one can only put forth that which resides within. This is why time, and the way in which it is used, or not, is of the essence.
In the midst of whatever season one might find oneself, the benefit of using, spending, making, or taking time to rest in the love of God, wherever and however it suits one best, is never wasted.
Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. — James Baldwin
In each moment of challenge, there is the Light, bright and shining.
A couple of days ago, I learned of the passing of a friend. Eileen… the meaning of her name, “bright, shining one,” so true to life. Yet, not in a way that one might think upon reading the words “bright” and “shining,” as if showy or seeking the center of attention. No, far different, in a quiet, and much more powerful way, “bright, and shining one” as in a welcoming, steady glow. A ray of light—exuding warmth and love… a faith-filled, calming presence.
Sometimes, maybe more often than we know, there is the blessing of those around us who reflect life in all its essence—persevering… trusting that in each moment, whether it is challenging or not, there is the Light, bright and shining. Unassuming… not intruding… patiently… peacefully… simply, beautifully present.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; to his wisdom there is no limit. The Lord sustains the lowly; the wicked he casts to the ground. – Psalm 147:6
So what happened to Jonah? What did he do after delivering the message to “shape up” to the Ninevites?
First, he witnessed them take heed and repent. Next, he witnessed God shower them with mercy (Jonah 3:1-10). And then, in the next chapter, chapter 4, Jonah walked away, angry at God’s forgiveness and understanding of those “wicked” people of Nineveh. Why?
Jonah’s mind had already been made up about the Ninevites. That’s why he initially tried to run away from the mission God gave him (Jonah, chapter 2). Unsuccessful, though, and after being spewed from the belly of the fish, he ended up going to Nineveh to deliver God’s message to the people. And, exactly as Jonah expects, God ends up forgiving the Ninevites.
It’s interesting how God accepts the actions of the people of Nineveh as acknowledgement of their wrong doing, while Jonah, who had already determined the Ninevites did not deserve another chance, hardened his heart toward them and could not see or receive the spirit of their actions as a desire to make amends. That’s okay though, because as the story continues, we see more about God’s ways. Despite his lack of understanding or missing desire for mercy to extend to the Ninevites, God does not abandon Jonah either. Rather, God continues the conversation and keeps seeking to reach Jonah and his heart, the same as with the Ninevites.
The Book of Jonah reveals the story of a prophet whose name means “dove” in Hebrew. In a time when a desire for peace seems so great, for so many, it is important to remember that God’s embrace, and longing for ongoing, personal relationship with all creation, extends to all. Yes, all!
God accepts those who accept and receive God, even when human beings can’t or won’t. Thank God! There are no exceptions, and only God can ever truly know what is in someone else’s heart.
But this greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry.
He prayed to the Lord, “O Lord, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first toward Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment.
So now, Lord, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.”
But the Lord asked, “Are you right to be angry?”
Jonah then left the city for a place to the east of it, where he built himself a hut and waited under it in the shade, to see what would happen to the city.
Then the Lord God provided a gourd plant. And when it grew up over Jonah’s head, giving shade that relieved him of any discomfort, Jonah was greatly delighted with the plant.
But the next morning at dawn God provided a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered.
And when the sun arose, God provided a scorching east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah’s head till he became faint. Then he wished for death, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.”
But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry over the gourd plant?” Jonah answered, “I have a right to be angry—angry enough to die.”
Then the Lord said, “You are concerned over the gourd plant which cost you no effort and which you did not grow; it came up in one night and in one night it perished.
And should I not be concerned over the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot know their right hand from their left, not to mention all the animals?”
Stepping out and looking up, the night time sky awakens me. Alongside the darkness, the clouds, visible above and behind the tree tops, create a contrast that draws me in. Between them and the sky that is speckled with the light of stars from far away, the scene is even more compelling. There are so many dimensions, and on this night, as opposed to one where the clouds leave no room for the stars, all seem to bring something to the picture in a way that works together and makes it whole.
So much of what’s good and honorable in the world, is not unlike this scene. That is, the parts not only brought together, but also taking care to make room at the table, and in our hearts, for each other. Coming back to the night time sky on this evening, taking in its different parts once more, I imagine each of them embodying, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will” (Psalm 40). For although we are different, we are very much the same. And, our well-being and the picture that we make is collective—always tied together.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. Day approaches, thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for standing up and speaking out, for your words and the actions that flowed with them, and most of all, for the spirit with which you shared them with the world.
“In a real sense all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be… This is the inter-related structure of reality.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Each year as Christmas approaches, I fondly recall a childhood ritual of time spent with a couple of my siblings, huddled around a department store’s holiday edition catalog. The three of us would look at what seemed like endless pages of different games and toys, dreaming of what it would be like to call them our own. At the same time though, we knew that was not going to happen.
Still, each year, we would come together, at the kitchen table or lying on our stomachs on the rug in the family room, captivated by the pictures and descriptions. We were all on, or around, the same page, and not a page was turned until all three of us were ready to move on. Of course, sometimes, we would negotiate and come back to particular page or skip ahead to a different section, but always, we stayed together.
It’s interesting what sharing, can bring to a situation. Although my older sister, younger brother, and I were frequently drawn to different games or toys, we were consistently drawn together. Over the years, the experience of sharing our time with each other as well as our excitement and interest… hopes and dreams, made it seem like anything was possible in the sacred space we shared.
This year, in a pandemic ridden world, where space is better not shared, perhaps another kind of invitation lies in waiting—a bridge of sorts. Maybe a chance to find that which has been overlooked, or what might otherwise be lost. An opportunity to remember or to see more than what we think we know.
As a child looking at those pages of games and toys, I thought it was the catalog that brought such great excitement. However, while it was intriguing back then, now I understand it differently. So often, time and distance can bring perspective in a way that reveals truth or deeper understanding of any matter.
On the 3rd Sunday of Advent, a time of waiting and reflecting, we read in the Gospel according to John that John the Baptist said, “…there is one among you whom you do not recognize…” (John 1:26-27), to the priests and Levites sent to question him. He was speaking of Jesus. Yet, we know that even today, there are moments where each of us can say to ourselves, “there is one among you whom you do not recognize.” Whether it is a person, place, or thing, when we think of it, how do we speak of, and to, Jesus?
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’” as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. – John 1:6-8, 19-28
Feeling hopeful, I am lifted up by the soothing breeze, and welcomed by the warmth of the sun. I am drawn to the light stretching out from it, as if reaching out to everyone and all around the globe. Still, I wait, as many do. So much of life these days seems to be more about waiting, and then waiting even more. I can’t help but think, this much waiting is such a tall order, compared to the short and quick of yesteryear.
Yet, day in and day out, I wait. We all wait. Maybe we’ve been waiting all along. Maybe we wait because we’ve gotten it all wrong.
Then there’s also the companion of waiting. As each moment in waiting silently builds upon the next, some grow closer together and others drift further apart. Yet, despite the weight of waiting, and the rush against the quiet, when willing, the Light above connects us to the Breath that’s deep within.
One with one another. Created in God’s image. One with one and all. The cry of God is deafening, when will we heed the call?
“Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.” – John 15:4
On a beautiful November day, unexpected warmth saturates the air alongside the noise of rustling leaves, as they are gathered and removed from around the yard. While it is far more idyllic to sit in a much quieter way, with an image… a nearby scene that captures fall inching its way to winter, there is work to be done.
Taking a breath and looking at the leaves, they spread across the lawn, front, side, and back. Another breath, then, at last, the process begins a mess. Making something out of what appears to be nothing or perhaps better said, gathering what is separate and bringing it together. What starts as commotion with each swing of the rake, gradually, slowly turns around. Still leaves… still motion… but nestled now in the stillness of devotion.
A great reminder, the dreams for which one hopes do not fade away. Though the pursuit of them may be on pause, it is often in our patient seeking, Wisdom makes her way, work increases, and True desires deepen.
“Respect your ideals. Dare to dream, but be not an idle dreamer. Dare to do what you dream. Search your heart to know what you most desire to do; then do it, for you can become, by your perseverance, what you long to be.” – Samuel Silas Curry
Walking along a path in a local town forest, I stop as I approach a swampy stretch and see a beautiful mix of colors on the land across the way. The trees and brush on either side in front of me seem to provide a frame. Depending on the angle, or perhaps the time of day, or maybe even, the mood drifting through the air, they are a welcome addition gradually drawing me in to the beauty just beyond. Or, are they a distraction… a tangled mess standing in the way?
It’s interesting the way that so much in life seems to do with frames. Thinking literally of frames, I recall the first time I had to pick a frame for a pair of eyeglasses. I was 12 at the time, and desperately not wanting to need eyeglasses. But the fact was that I did need them.
So, after an eye exam and trying on a number of frames, different styles, colors, and types, I came upon “the one.” It was unmistakable within seconds of placing them on my face. From there, the transition was smooth; I could see clearly. Since that time, I have gone through a number of frames, of different styles, colors, and types, throughout the years. And, in all that time, the single most important thing about my glasses has been, not the frame, but the lenses. Without them, everything is blurry.
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”
Entering the wooded path to explore a new place, it seems easy to regard myself as a guest. As such, I am perhaps more mindful (or respectful), and probably more open to appreciating in some way, what lies before me. So often in nature, whether the outdoor or indoor (human kind), the tendency is to see or to remember with greater ease, the extremes. However, in actuality, the majority of what transpires is in between. And in those rare times, when it isn’t, still, nothing is lost, or without value, for the faithful guest who travels with an honest, open heart.
“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII
When it comes down to it, although it may be preferred to be the host, across the board and back, the greater good is most often served in the moments of realizing, that we are indeed, the guest.
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. – Psalm 23
From “the greater good” search results of some fellow guests during my lifetime, Presidents 37 through 45…
Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself. – Richard Nixon
I have always believed that most people are mostly good, most of the time. I have never mistaken moderation for weakness, nor civility for surrender. As far as I’m concerned, there are no enemies in politics – just temporary opponents who might vote with you on the next Roll Call. – Gerald Ford
We have a tendency to condemn people who are different from us, to define their sins as paramount and our own sinfulness as being insignificant. – Jimmy Carter
Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. – Ronald Reagan
I take as my guide the hope of a saint: In crucial things, unity; in important things, diversity; in all things, generosity. – George H.W. Bush
We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more. – Bill Clinton
Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people. – George W. Bush
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings. – Barack Obama
When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.’ – Donald Trump
“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII
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