Openness

A Banner Time…

A few weeks ago, my daughter had an assignment in a design class to create a folder using images with which one might identify. Between discussion around the project and looking through some photographs from a recent trip to Walden Pond and the surrounding area, memories of creating banners and posters at various points throughout my childhood and in the ensuing years come to mind. One of the earliest memories is as a young Sunday school student finding joy in seeing all the banners made by different classrooms of students. The banners made with colors and using images that each class collectively picked were hung up around the church.  They were simply displayed, in the spirit of sharing so that everyone was free to receive them in whatever way they might.

In chapter 17 of the Book of Exodus, after Amelek has been defeated, it is written that Moses created an altar to the Lord, naming it Yahweh-nissi or “The Lord is my banner.” (Exodus 17:15). Victory had been achieved through the Lord, with Moses holding the staff of God raised up in his hands.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people are provided for; their needs do not go unmet. In times of trouble, it is never God who strays, but rather the people. There is example upon example of those who persist in identifying with, and embracing, the Lord as their banner. Ultimately, though different people and various kinds of situations are involved, each one always seems to arrive at a place where all things come together, reminding them, reminding us, that God is greater than any one story or situation could capture. Also calling us to remember, faithfulness to God is achieved in countless ways, even when others do not, or cannot, see it.

Given the task of creating a banner to be raised up and shared, what would it look like? In what ways would God be reflected in it? In my words and actions, how do I pay homage to who I am, who I was created to be, and “Take up the banner of the Lord! (Ex 17:16)”?

Thoreau

Beloved:
Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,
because you know from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,
which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Blown by the Wind…

As the waves rose to the height of their ascent, each carried a line of mist as the force of the wind surfed across the top. Water and wind driving against each other, competing, wave after wave. Which would win? … As if only one could.

Be driven, not aimless, or as if by wind.
Be driven, not reckless… ruthless, or by tide.
Be driven, not fearful… anxious, or by mind.
Be driven by heart, soul, and Spirit combined.

WindBlown

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man’s table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.’
Abraham replied,
‘My child, remember that you received
what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’
He said, ‘Then I beg you, father,
send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers,
so that he may warn them,
lest they too come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.’
He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'” – Luke 16:19-31

Reserved Seating…

Beginning in the early years of life, one comes to see that seating can be tricky, sometimes even turning contentious. From a very young age, many children are introduced to musical chairs. To be first (often synonymous with best) and beat out others in securing a coveted seat, of which there are too few, is the goal of the game. If you do not get a seat, you’re out of the game—eliminated.

Across the years as well as across various different areas of life, securing a “good” seat seemingly remains a key to many things. Whether one is attending an event related to school, sports, dinner, entertainment, travel, the celebration of milestones, etc., it seems human nature to aim for a seat with a prime view. In the Gospel according to Luke (chapter 14: 7-14), Jesus encourages us to refrain from this way of being and not to take the coveted seat, or hold it for those who are held in esteem or known to us.

Rather than aiming to obtain a particular spot, or slide into a position, we are to trust that what is passed up or given away, if it is truly for us, will come back to us. In addition, Jesus instructs us to be gracious, making room physically, as well as in our hearts and minds, for others. Calling us to look at and examine our reservations. What are the spots being held back or blocked off? What is preventing seating for all?

FerrisWheel

He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Then he said to the host who invited him,
“When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 14:7-14

A Picture’s Worth…

A truck pulled into the parking lot of the conservation area and stopped, blocking the entrance. Then a man hopped out and went over to the middle of the road. He proceeded to walk slowly back in the direction of the parking area, escorting something toward the water. I could not see what it was, but thought it might be some sort of animal. Once several steps into the grass, the man returned to his truck and was on his way, presumably off to where he had originally been going.

As I walked across the gravel to the side where the animal was, while the man was gone, his awareness and show of care and concern stayed with me. Upon arriving, a few steps onto the grass, I could see a painted turtle. It was continuing to slowly make its way toward the water. It was quite small. In fact, it could not have been more than a few inches across its shell, yet the man traveling in his truck, sitting high up, not only spotted the turtle down on the road, but also stopped to ensure its safe passage to the other side. Remarkable, both to do, and to see. A privilege to partake in, whether as a participant or as a witness.

There are many dimensions and circumstances in life over which choice may be limited or perhaps, does not exist. However, there is always the freedom to use—to see and/or to act from—one’s heart.

I bless the Lord who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the Lord ever before me;
With the Lord at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. – Psalm 16:7-8

Turtle

If You’re Going to Get Swept Away…

The waves of high tide were breaking as they continued their forward rush, splashing onto and washing over the steps and nearby rocks. Once there, they would lose steam and reverse direction. As they flowed back toward the sea in a more gentle way, just beyond, the next wave waited its turn to rush in, like the ones before it.

To watch the waves dance, and to listen to their song can be quite calming. To ride them, exhilarating, joyful, or perhaps unnerving depending on the day, the circumstances, or the conditions. Nonetheless, it is in experiencing the waves that we come to know them or to have a sense about them, and in doing so, see something about ourselves in the process. (There is always more than one side in learning.)

Just like waves, in the back and forth of life, it can be easy to get thrown around, washed away, or swept up based on experiences that may not be our own. While it can be helpful, at times, to hear an “expert’s” reporting, instinct and inner wisdom, are vital too.  Hildegard of Bingen wrote, “We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”

In chapter 16, verses 12-15, Jesus tells his disciples that they will be guided by the “Spirit of truth.” He does not say that they will be guided by Peter, John, or anyone else. This is not to say that they (as well as us) should not consult or listen to each other, but rather that the Wisdom of God seeks to make itself known to each individual, and that the Holy Spirit works to guide and lead us to what is wise—to what is truly best.

With so many voices in the world that look to grab and hold our attention, or to determine our choices, it is especially important to seek and to know, as well as to grow, the gifts given to each of us in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

IntoTheWater

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.” – John 16:12-15

50…

The Apostles waited as the Lord had instructed them. Then, at the appointed time, the Holy Spirit came upon them.

Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. – Acts 2:1-4

The Spirit empowered them to be more than they could be on their own. It propelled them onward in the glory of God, spurring them into action, and moving them toward the work entrusted to them. In order for this to happen though, the Apostles needed to be willing participants. That is, they needed to be open to receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. They needed to allow themselves to be filled up. They also needed to remain open in order to allow themselves to be led in a way that the Spirit could flow through them… through their words and their actions.

On Pentecost, the Apostles received the Holy Spirit, a Divine gift that would help them to fulfill their purpose and accomplish their mission in life. For true Spirit, purpose, and mission, like all that is Divine in nature, its end is always communal, always intended to be shared for the good of one as well as the good of many.

Each day, we awake, the image of God, and as we go about the day, we encounter the Divine, whether it is in passing or for a more extended period. Each day, the Divine encounters us, whether we are open to receiving it or not. The opportunities are endless, and usually, in time, all the pieces are together and suddenly, they become aligned.

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. – Psalm 104:30

Fire

A Dip in the Pool…

As we walked along the cliff, the terrain shifted from paved pathways to ones constructed out of giant rocks along the shoreline. The further we walked, the numbers of those walking became less as the path became trickier to navigate with the level rocks becoming sparse. Taking heed of the signs to be cautious, we forged on, determined not only to get to the other side, but also to take time to enjoy the sites along the way.

Most striking on this particular day, were the tidal pools that we came across. The water seemed so crystal clear—transparent. At the same time, though, it was teeming with living organisms, some visible to the naked eye, some surely not.

Each pool seemed to contain a world of its own. As a child, I remember a field trip where we explored and studied tidal pools. It was fascinating to see various components of the entire ocean in one relatively small area. I remember a classmate spotting a tiny shrimp in one of the pools. It is amazing what one can see when going slower and looking around more carefully.

Surveying the tidal pools, as intact as they seem, they inevitably change with each tide. While they may resemble what was there from the previous tide, they are not the same. Yet, day in and day out, or tide in and tide out, each pool continues to hold its bounty—life, beauty, and all that is intriguing in various different shapes, colors, and forms—as sacred for as long as it remains, or until the tide reclaims it.

That is something to strive for… something to emulate.

TidalPool

“Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.” – John 17:24-26

Egg Salad…

A few weeks ago, as I was helping to set up bowls with vinegar, water, and dye tablets to color some hard boiled eggs, my daughter and son were discussing decorating ideas and opinions. Every year since they were around preschool age, they have helped with decorating Easter eggs. They started out just scribbling with crayons or putting stickers on eggs that had already been dyed, but over time they moved toward dying the eggs as well.

Over the years, it has been interesting to watch how each of them approach and go about dying and decorating, and the interactions that occur in the process. And while they have access to all the same tools and resources on the table, when completed, although we still have the same dozen of eggs that we started with, each egg has come to life in a different way.

Earlier today, as I opened a carton of eggs, I recalled the colorful eggs of Easter. It called to mind how engaged my son and daughter are, as are most people, when they can express themselves and participate in a way that is meaningful to them while remaining true to the heart of their beliefs, values, and traditions.

Perhaps that is what was so appealing to so many people in the early Church. There were twelve Apostles. They were not identical. They were not clones, nor were they trying to be. They had distinct personalities, gifts, talents, strengths, and weaknesses. They had disagreements, but when they remained focused on Jesus’ life and example, fixed on striving to be faithful to the will of God, and open to each other through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (in whatever direction it took them whether known or new), the Church evolved, there was room for all, and through the grace of God, the numbers grew exponentially.

In the end, we are all part of the same recipe… the same plan. It is time for our differences, to once again, through our shared belief, become our greatest strength.

At the Water’s Edge…

From time to time, there is a place my family likes to go where we sit, talk, and take in the scenery. Sometimes, we go together and other times one or two of us may go alone.  Whichever the case, and as familiar as the place has become, the experience is seldom the same. Instead, it is common that something new or different happens among the interactions, whether in the surroundings or in the conversation.

The other day, the flow of the water was moving in a different direction than usual. Normally, the water flows toward the land on the other side. On this day, it was flowing toward the side where I was, calling attention to the edge of the water in front of me.

At the edge of the water, lay remnants of leaves fallen from days of old. At the edge of the grass, lay remnants of leaves fallen from days of old. The image was intriguing.

While days of old, are a thing of the past, it is often from days of old, that the water flows and the grass grows. It is often from something known, that something new, different, or previously unknown comes into being. It is rarely, if at all, one or the other (old or new) exclusively, for that which stands the test of time.

Jesus walked on both land and sea. He bridged the old to the new, remaining faithful, or perhaps in modern day terms, remaining loyal to God. True to God to the very end… and from that end, a new beginning arose.

We are called to do the same, and through the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

AtTheWatersEdge

The Hospitality of Love…

Without question, the story of the Prodigal Son shows the mercy of God and the challenge of forgiving trespasses, both our own and those of others. In addition, this parable also offers insight into the importance of a hospitable heart—a heart that is welcoming and gracious to all. This is what caused all those who drew near or reached out to Jesus, to do so. Likewise, this is what led the son who was lost to come back home.

“Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat…” (Luke 15:17). Having lost everything that he thought was going to make him happy and experiencing a very inhospitable environment, the lost son recalls the truth of what the environment was like at his father’s house. He humbles himself and sets out to return home, owning the ways in which he has failed and letting go of all that might lead him to stay away.

When he does so, he encounters neither judgment nor criticism. In addition, his status as son and birthright as heir await him. He encounters open arms running to embrace and welcome him home—a heart overjoyed by his presence. Once again, he experiences true hospitality, which draws him right back into the fold.

Whether there is one or one million and one… or more, God is all in, and for all, always. Cause for rejoicing! What a great example!

May love be the gardener of your years
bringing forth from your grounding in God
a harvest of wholeness and peace,
a bounty of courage and compassion.

May your soul tower with the strength of cedars;
your heart pound with the power of the sea.
May joy rise in you like the mountains
and may it be a blessing you share with those you love,
who this day make merry
then in you, the great love of God
has found a home on earth.

– A Lebanese Blessing by Jeannette Abi-Bader, HM

ProdigalSon_Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them Jesus addressed this parable:
“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,
‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’

So the father divided the property between them.
After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings
and set off to a distant country
where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
When he had freely spent everything,
a severe famine struck that country,
and he found himself in dire need.
So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens
who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,
but nobody gave him any.
Coming to his senses he thought,
‘How many of my father’s hired workers
have more than enough food to eat,
but here am I, dying from hunger.
I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I no longer deserve to be called your son;
treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’
So he got up and went back to his father.
While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’
Then the celebration began.
Now the older son had been out in the field
and, on his way back, as he neared the house,
he heard the sound of music and dancing.
He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
The servant said to him,
‘Your brother has returned
and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf
because he has him back safe and sound.’
He became angry,
and when he refused to enter the house,
his father came out and pleaded with him.
He said to his father in reply,
‘Look, all these years I served you
and not once did I disobey your orders;
yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
But when your son returns
who swallowed up your property with prostitutes,
for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’
He said to him,
‘My son, you are here with me always;
everything I have is yours.
But now we must celebrate and rejoice,
because your brother was dead and has come to life again;
he was lost and has been found.’” – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32