Peace

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

It’s Still Water…

Although we had come expecting to see a variety of colors, bright and beautiful, as in other spots around the water, what we came upon was much more subtle, but also bright and beautiful.

Standing at the water’s edge, initially, the stillness and clarity of the pond was so peaceful, drawing us closer, putting us in awe. Looking further out, ripples seemed to suddenly appear, although given the gentle, steady breeze, they were likely there all along, only becoming more prominent as one’s glance stretched past the calmness of the water that was closest by. Beyond the trembles, across, to the other side of the pond was more stillness. It was in the trees of mostly green, and further, the sky also steady and calm. Taken altogether, perhaps making a ripple sandwich. Oftentimes, the uneven spots are gently held between, or surrounded by, the ones that carry peace.

Rejoice

Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and the Lord’s strength, constantly seek the Lord’s face. – Psalm 105:3-4

According to the Word…

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. – Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli

In the fall of 1881, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born in Northern Italy. He was the fourth of thirteen children in a family that worked fields for a landlord. They were sharecroppers.

It is probably fair to state that it was unlikely anyone, including Angelo Roncalli, would have imagined his life would inspire great change throughout the world, but it did. In the fall of 1958, he was elected Pope, taking the name John XXIII. His papacy, beginning a few years shy of his 80th birthday, was predicted to be a sort of “filling the gap.” In fact, many in the church’s upper echelon of leadership were expecting him to do very little while they were looking to line things up for the “right” successor upon his passing. However, Pope John XXIII continued with the same passion and Spirit-driven action that he had shown throughout his life.

St. John XXIII did, to the surprise and probably the dismay of many, much work during his papacy to encourage and steer the church toward greater integrity by emphasizing Truth, trying to live out the teachings of Jesus, and embodying a spirit of peace and unity. He called for change in the portrayal of Jesus’ death as the fault of the Jews and stopped the perpetuation of the term “faithless” with regards to our Jewish brothers and sisters. He sought to bring together the leaders of the United States and Russia in an attempt to help lessen animosities and work toward peace. He also called for the Second Vatican Council which led to numerous changes in the church, again trying to create a church more in line with the philosophy of Jesus.

While some of his words and actions may be disputed, as with any human being, he had a heart that desired and was devoted to peace and unity. Much of what he wrote, spoke, and did, came out of this place. It was his source of inspiration—the Spirit in which he lived.

Unfortunately, many do not experience church as a place of peace and unity, never mind a place of Truth. Despite this, how fortunate that the Spirit of God has depth and width broader than what the human mind can measure. How fortunate that spiritual nourishment and relationship with God are not bound and tied to any earthly thing, but rather expressed through those who are faithful, no matter where they may be.

We were all made in God’s image, and thus, we are all Godly alike. – Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (a.k.a. Good Pope John and then St. John XXIII)

AccordingToTheWordOfGod

Humankind was created as God’s reflection:
in the divine image God created them;
female and male, God made them. – Genesis 1:27

Weight or Wait…

Over the past week, childhood memories of not being old enough to do whatever it might have been that older siblings or kids in the neighborhood were doing have surfaced in attempts to be understanding while navigating and responding to the “why?” of age being a determining factor to the negative.  What is it that can make waiting such a chore? What is it that can make the waiting that comes with life feel more like weight bearing down upon or holding one back than like a time that is on the way and simply has not yet arrived?

It can be difficult at times to take the long view or to see “the waiting” as a friend, creating space and readying one for what is to come. Perhaps sometimes, in the waiting, we are being waited upon. Maybe looked to, to open up or to make a move rather than being mostly on one side of the equation or the other. Oftentimes in waiting, one realization or another comes along, lessening the load and shifting the balance back to peace.

Peace

Truly, the Lord is waiting to be gracious to you,
truly, the Lord shall rise to show you mercy;
For the Lord is a God of justice:
happy are all who wait for the Lord! – Isaiah 30:18

Buck…

After a brief wait of silence and darkness, there it was—a buck. It entered into view, sauntered around, and then moved on, disappearing just as it had appeared. I quietly watched, in awe of its tranquil but purposeful movement and noticing its antlers. Perhaps this was the older version of the same buck that passed through a couple of months earlier. If so, my how it had grown in a relatively short period. Beyond its features, especially its antlers that were more pronounced, it seemed more sure-footed and astute in the way it carried itself.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to see the nighttime movement of a number of animals as captured by a family member’s trail camera. It has been both interesting and fascinating to observe the way these creatures move about, crossover, and pass through the yard and woods behind it. They appear uninhibited, but at the same time quiet, reserved, and respectful.

In the hours of the night and into the dawn, the environment not only holds peace, but also gives it. It is one with room for pensive pauses and calming paces. Sometimes, what the darkness of night offers can be encouraging and uplifting, just as much as that of day.

Strength and wisdom come, inner stillness enlightening each night and every day.

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A psalm of David.
LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?

Whoever walks without blame,
doing what is right,
speaking truth from the heart;

Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor;
Who disdains the wicked,
but honors those who fear the LORD;
Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest,
accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Whoever acts like this
shall never be shaken. – Psalm 15

Rooted…

Sometimes, while thinking about or waiting and watching for one thing, another comes along unexpected. At other times, what may be considered routine and predictable… a sure thing does not occur. Traveling in a group, some headed into the forest, toward the mountain for hiking while others stayed, opting for a walk at a lower altitude instead.

Along the hike, there were trails, trees, and water. Along the walk, there were also trails (sidewalks), trees, and water. The wildlife heard and seen by both groups was very different though. While one might expect the woods and mountains to be the place for spotting animals, on this particular morning, the wildlife seemed to be with the walkers.

Despite this reversal, both groups returned enlivened and at peace. With a calm that only nature’s Source can bring forth. For as Simone Weil wrote, “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”

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

Many Hearts, One Body

The wind blew steady, silencing the sound of the waves. In some spots, it blew sand across the beach and in others it simply blew. All in all, though, as we journeyed along the coastline, it consistently nudged us ahead or slowed us down depending on the direction in which we walked.

At times the constancy of the wind was so harsh it conjured thoughts of stopping and turning back. However, as we walked together, the elements seemed to meld us together, making us one. We spoke… and we listened as we reminisced, sought advice, remembered loved ones, and shared hopes and dreams. We found gratitude, encouragement, and joy in one another.

In the Spirit of love and companionship we found the wherewithal to keep walking. None of us realized just how far we had come from our starting point until we stopped and looked back in amazement. The wind was still present and very noticeable, but the thoughts of turning back or abandoning the path ahead had vanished completely. Despite all that might seek to work against us, together, we journeyed, and together, we experienced the Glory of God. Alleluia!

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15

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Peace and Good Will to All…

This year, a winter holiday gift that seems to be highly advertised is an ancestry kit. These kits promise to provide test results from one’s saliva. The information that is sent back about a month after submitting a sample shows, among other genetic data, from where in the world one’s DNA is. In other words, it verifies from where you come and the ethnic populations to whom you are related.      

Having some understanding of where you come from and who you are is important. To think that things that are so very small, molecules, and the manner in which they are bound together, can determine so much, both in the present and into the future, can be rather fascinating. Not just from a hereditary standpoint, but also from a spiritual one.

Even more amazing than the data one can obtain from DNA, is the Author… the One who created all that binds us together; all from the physical traits to the capacity to think, feel, learn, grow, love, and much more. Of all that occurs in the world, how much greater is the One who throughout the ages and through many people using diverse means, orchestrates Salvation for all!

While we may not all share the same backgrounds, whether genetic, cultural or religious, and we may not all share the same beliefs, we are still all connected… all made of mind, body and soul. The more we can remember this, and the more we choose to live in a manner that celebrates our common bond, the more our better qualities shine.

From my heart to yours, peace and good will to ALL.  

Origin

By the Light…

The sky was beautiful and peaceful. It was a pleasant sight at the end of a long day. At a time when one might expect the darkness of night to overtake the day, the moon was big and bright, casting light upon the clouds as they moved across the sky.

Sometimes it can be easy to forget how beautiful the night time can be. Among the vast darkness, there is quiet to be found, and, on a crisp, cool, clear night, there is also natural light from high above. One needs only to pause, and then look up and around to experience awe, inspiration, hope, peace, reassurance, or whatever grace may be most needed at that moment.

There is much that can happen throughout life that may seek to cast a shadow over us, to cause one’s head to drop and heart to sink, or one’s gaze to move downward toward the ground. There is so much that can seek to close our hearts to the goodness that awaits us despite the circumstances or predicaments that may exist around or within us.

Then there is the sky… calling us to remember that we are not alone… that nothing is too heavy… there is Light to be experienced by both the day and the night.

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And, the Sun…

Amongst the many voices and other various noises as the events of a day unfold, reside the quieter, more subtle, sometimes missed happenings. Whether during celebratory or somber times, there are signs… gifts… blessings ever-present. It is as if they are there to acknowledge, “Yes, that…, but also this.” Perhaps they are there to help one remember, or to consider, all that is true in any given moment. It seems at every turn, there is opportunity to receive peace, strength, wisdom, joy… whatever grace may be needed or may be of benefit to those present, close by, and even far away.

Oftentimes, there is so much more than what may be immediately in front of us, or surrounding us. Yet, it can be easy to forget that. Even worse, it can be easy to become focused on a single piece or a fraction of the whole and to exclude the picture in its entirety from consideration.

We must remember, it is not only the sun that rises and sets, but also the moon. Together, they help to make the day complete.

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