Spirit

Better Than Gold…

This week the winter Olympics being held in South Korea began. As a child, I remember the first time I watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics on television. I found it exciting to see people representing so many countries from around the world in their various styles of clothing, together in one place. I also recall being struck by the way the flame spread around and across the cauldron when the Olympic torch was held to it. The flame burned with greater intensity and was there for all to see.

There is a beautiful spirit that comes with the Olympic Games. While there is competition and sides to choose and for which to route, it is interesting to see the ways in which a shared goal, interest, or experience can bring people together and enliven them, no matter how far apart they may be, whether geographically or otherwise. Oftentimes, it shines through brighter than any medals that might be won or any honor that might be awarded.

The passion and intensity of the Olympic Games give us a view of what is possible when seeking and striving to honor and celebrate the use of God-given talent and calling. Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck, your profession is what you’re put on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling.” He also said, “I am still far from being what I want to be, but with God’s help I shall succeed.” Vincent Van Gogh, completed over 900 paintings and while they are highly valued pieces today, during his lifetime (1853-1890), it is believed that he sold only one, a painting done in 1888.

He did succeed, and although perhaps in the eyes of humankind it was not during his earthly life, the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and the spirit in which they were done, is inspiring. They live on, touching countless hearts and souls around the world. Vincent Van Gogh carried the torch and protected the flame, with passion, by recognizing his gifts, staying dedicated to being who he was created to be, and trusting that, that was all he needed to do. Perhaps this is part of what draws so many to some level of interest in the Olympic Games. They touch upon the flame within each of us, reminding us of how good it is when we embrace the Spirit and use the gifts we have been given.

TheRedVineyard_VincentVanGogh1

A Tale, Tried and True…

Recently I attended a local theatre production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Near the beginning of this Classic story, the ghost of Jacob Marley visits his friend and business partner in his earthly life, Ebenezer Scrooge. He carries with him, wrapped around him and weighing him down, chains. As Jacob is explaining to Ebenezer the reason for his bondage… how each link in the chain was the result of the choices he had made throughout his life, Ebenezer refutes what his friend is trying to tell him and begins speaking of Jacob’s great business sense and financial success. To this, Jacob replies,

“Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

In essence, to be at our best, to be truly successful, is to be human and to act humane, as one faces the circumstances that life presents. While this can be more than just a little hard at times, especially when there is so much beyond our control, it is what we were created for… we were built for the greater good. That is the Christmas Spirit. The same Spirit we witness when people pull together, reach out and connect to one another in the face of tragedy or disaster or in the course of the every day.

Everything we need to resist and overcome evil, all that is good, the Spirit, resides within each of us, all the time. The choice is whether to uncover, seek and embrace it, to become one with it, allowing it to be palpable and visible to others. The task is to open, and to keep opening ourselves to it, each, and every day, trusting that we are not alone in this effort. Trusting… believing that in each moment, the grace of God is waiting to set us free and to help us rise up to all that we can be.

Jacob Marley visited Ebenezer Scrooge to testify to the Light so that his friend might believe, and in and through believing be changed for the better. We can do all that too.

ATaleTriedTrue

More than days…

Growing up we had a wrought iron fence around the patio in the back yard. It was a nice looking fence, sturdy and reliable, creating an enclosure and added layer of safety. In order to keep and protect its appearance and function though, every so many years it required maintenance.

I remember the first time I helped my father with this process. Before we could paint, we had to use a wire brush to remove any rust that might have developed in the time since the fence’s last painting. While it may have been easier to just paint over the rust, neglecting to scrape it away and sand it down, would result in the paint breaking off and exposing the fence to further deterioration, in addition to necessitating more frequent painting.

Our lives can be similar to wrought iron fences, in that we also can have spots that are rusty, or things that cause us to shine less brightly than we are capable of… to be less than who we really are and have been created to be.

On the feast of Pentecost, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, the people were gathered together in one place.

In the Old Testament description of the preparation for Pentecost (a.k.a. the Feast of Weeks), it is written:

You shall rejoice in the presence of the LORD, your God, together with your son and daughter, your male and female slave, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow among you, in the place which the LORD, your God, will choose as the dwelling place of his name. – Deuteronomy 16:11

And, in the New Testament description of the coming of the Holy Spirit after the Ascension, it is written:

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. – Acts 2:1-3

Part of the preparation to receive the blessings of the feast was gathering together. There was a gathering in the Spirit to receive the Spirit. However, even before this could happen, other things needed to transpire. At the forefront, people needed to make time to prepare. They needed to make time for both themselves and each other as well as for God. In doing so, they were scraped and primed, and ready to be made new by the Holy Spirit.

HolySpiritPentecost

 

The Apple and the Light…

It is unfortunate how the air can be sucked out of a room or a dark shadow can be cast upon it, by the words and actions, or even just the presence of one person. Not only that, but it can also be very uncomfortable, and have a lingering effect, even after that person leaves the room.

Why does one bad apple have to spoil the bunch (or “the barrel” as the saying goes)?

What is it that causes us, at times, to become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away when faced with a bad apple? What is it that can cause the rest of the apples to turn to mush instead of continuing to hold true to form? What if, beyond the surface, the bad apple is not really bad at all, but rather hanging from a limb, and by a thread?

Through the eyes of faith, there is the assurance that the Light of God far outshines any darkness that might come our way. Through faith we also believe, that the mercy and compassion of God extends to all creation. What then creates an atmosphere that leads to the Spirit within being quieted or perhaps even smothered in the face of darkness?

There is a force, at every corner, that seeks to take us away from the Truth, most especially in the midst of darkness. It seeks to create confusion and gradually, or perhaps swiftly, tries to shift our focus, and convince us that we are less than what we really are. Oftentimes, when this happens, we become paralyzed, dragged down, divided, or driven away. That suppression of the Spirit, or Light, contributes to an atmosphere that fosters darkness.

Jesus says, “Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10). The thief is like the bad apple, looking to steal, slaughter and destroy what he does not have or what he has lost himself; that is the ability to reflect the Light.

This is why we are called not only to meditate on and to let the Light shine brightly, no matter the circumstances, but also to pray for those who persecute us.

 

TheAppleAndTheLight

 

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

In the Desert…

I remember as a child spelling d-e-s-e-r-t, desert, the treat following dinner. I also remember receiving my paper back from the teacher with a red “x” and a second “s” added in the word. A common error for a young child, I am sure. It is funny how some things make a lasting impression and how over time it can be much easier to laugh at things that perhaps once did not seem so funny or amusing. This is one of the gifts that comes with perspective though.

When Jesus was led into the desert, he faced temptation. However, despite his weakened state, he did not lose perspective. He remained focused on who he was and what he knew to be true. He was able to see temptation for what it was and to say, “Get away, Satan!” We are called to do the same.

In today’s world one could say that the desert of temptation has grown exponentially. Oftentimes where one might expect to find solace or solidarity and goodwill, there is none. Despite this, one must carry on and, like Jesus, hold fast to God, the One in whose image all are created. In seeking and striving to do so with all one’s mind, heart and soul, there is comfort and strength, knowledge and wisdom, and yes, even in the desert of temptation, there is peace.

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread.”
He said in reply,
“It is written:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth
from the mouth of God. (Deuteronomy 8:3)”

Then the devil took him to the holy city,
and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,
and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.
For it is written:
He will command his angels concerning you
and with their hands they will support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:11-12)”
Jesus answered him,
“Again it is written,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test. (Deuteronomy 6:16)”
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,
and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”
At this, Jesus said to him,
“Get away, Satan!
It is written:
The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve. (Deuteronomy 6:13)“

Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.

Matthew 4:1-11

Take your mark…

The other day I saw a photograph of two swimmers competing in the Olympics. The caption underneath the picture called attention to the fact that one of the swimmers was so focused, his head straight ahead, while the other swimmer’s head was turned in the direction of his competitor rather than toward the “finish line.” The picture and accompanying story made me think about focus and attention in everyday life.

What catches my attention? Or more importantly, what do I allow to hold my attention? On what do I focus and to what does it lead?

The ability to focus is a gift. How do I use it? How do I recognize when I have become too focused, or when my attention has shifted to something of little or lesser importance in a particular situation?

Most often, there are clues when I am drifting (or about to) away rather than toward that which is good, or better, for me. To see or sense them though, is not necessarily easy especially with all the distractions that society offers. What is one to do?

Looking back to the Olympics, with the dedication, discipline and focus required to get there, it is clear that there is something far greater than a bunch of sports being played. It’s as if we are all pulling for each other without necessarily even trying all that hard. There is something that pulls us out of our own world…our own country as we often watch other countries competing and begin cheering them on, too. There is a Spirit that transcends all that is visible. One that propels and lifts both the athletes, enabling them to dig deep down, and the spectators, allowing them to enter the journey.

That same Spirit, creating a sense of unity and providing inner strength, and so much more, is available and waiting to capture our attention. Waiting to lead and guide us whether we are competing in the Olympics, going to school, working a job…doing anything at all…or doing nothing.

Dinosaurs and Birds…

“None of us is as smart as all of us.” – Ken Blanchard

In the course of being part of many different kinds of groups over the years, in both the for profit and non-profit arenas, as well as for business, ministry, and pleasure, it has been interesting to see how the spirit in which the group members come together far outweighs any talent, intellect, or circumstances that may come into play. More often than not, it does not matter how difficult the goal is to reach or the obstacles that may be present so much as it does the spirit and attitude with which each member enters and participates in the group.

In groups where members have helped to shape a clearly stated purpose(s) and remained focused on it while embracing diversity, listening to one another, and being open to the sharing of ideas and different approaches, seeing them as opportunities from which something might be gleaned, even if they seemed foreign to some within the group, much has been accomplished. Not only that, but through meaningful communication and working together, bonds have developed between group members. Through a spirit of cooperation, each individual has been better for having been part of the group. In addition, the fruit of the group has served a greater purpose; it reaches beyond the group.

In groups where this has not happened, far less has been accomplished and members have often either walked away in frustration or stayed, but with a diminished spirit and sense of purpose. Usually, these members become occasional participants or observers (more on the outside) rather than an active, engaged part of the group. Also operating within these kinds of groups, and larger than the collective purpose of the group, is often a smaller group of two or three driving things mostly to the exclusion of the rest of the group and all that others might bring to the table. There is not much working together in a sustainable way and the fruit of the group, as related to its purpose, doesn’t reach very far and is little to none.

The other day, a friend and I were talking about how sometimes it can be hard to know when to walk away and when to stay. Initially we talked about what would happen if more often than not people walked away. Then we discussed what it is like when they stay, diminished in spirit, present but not really vested; an environment of apathy. The more we talked the more we agreed that the latter was worse, but still as with most situations, for each seeker, eventually the path becomes clear and the way made known.

As I continue to reflect on our discussion, I think about how people and things come and go…as they have since the beginning. Then, I remember, as another friend said a while ago, sometimes it has to die in order to be born again with a new, enlivened spirit. Perhaps the choice is not to leave or to stay, but to embrace and face the unknown and the uncertain (death of what is known and of what we are sure) or to become extinct. For that, the location makes no difference…only the spirit.

InletView

Gifts from God are Everlasting…

About a week ago, it was the month and date of the last time I was together with all of my siblings. A number of us had traveled a good distance south to be there. The six of us were present and engaged, laughing and talking with each other.

I don’t recall what the weather was like that day, but the sun was shining. At least I remember feeling that way…surrounded by warmth and love. We were gathered in a room, eating lunch and spending time together prior to the youngest of us starting preparations for another bone marrow transplant. Despite the impending procedure, I recall feeling joy in the moments of our togetherness.

Our time together that day ended and some of us returned north. Afterward, I spoke with my younger brother by phone. We were talking about our lunch together with all of our older siblings. We spoke about how much we enjoyed being together. Then he said, “I wish we could be together all the time.” I remember saying, “Yeah, but we would probably get on each other’s nerves if we were together all the time.” Then we joked about how it would be fine as long as we had space to retreat to, we could live on a cul-de-sac with a house for each of us, numbered 1 through 6 of course…we laughed. Growing up many a thing was labeled with our birth order number so as for us to easily identify our belongings.

While seven years have passed now since that day in May, sometimes it seems as if it were just yesterday. None of us knew that day, that the next time we would be together would come so soon…and with one less voice. My brother passed away a little more than a month later.

Every year around the anniversary of that day, I feel such sadness and heartache at first. Then, as I recall the day and the spirit in which we were together I feel so grateful for that one last time all together, and all the days we had together leading up to it. Each time I recall that experience, or any other time with my younger brother, I can picture his handsome face and mischievous smile. It is as if, in that moment, our spirits bow to each other and I know he lives on…encouraging me to remember there is beauty in each moment…to embrace and cherish it. Reminding me that what really matters cannot be taken away, not even by death.

One Voice by The Wailin’ Jennys – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc6HloRYZGc

This is the sound of one voice
One spirit, one voice
The sound of one who makes a choice
This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of voices two
The sound of me singing with you
Helping each other to make it through
This is the sound of voices two

This is the sound of voices three
Singing together in harmony
Surrendering to the mystery
This is the sound of voices three

This is the sound of all of us
Singing with love and the will to trust
Leave the rest behind it will turn to dust
This is the sound of all of us

This is the sound of one voice
One people, one voice
A song for every one of us
This is the sound of one voice

This is the sound of one voice

DJM2Drum

Ask and You Shall Receive…

There I stood…my heart deeply moved, tears forming, feeling so grateful for what I was experiencing once more. This feeling had seemed absent for quite some time…missing for so long. Wow! To think I did not wake with the intention to be in the location that I was standing. There was too much to do and not enough time to do it, but still I felt a nudge, pushing me…rather pulling me toward this very spot. So here I was, thinking, “How good it feels to be present here, at this very moment!” Remembering what a Spirit-filled celebration it used to be. Remembering what it was like to be filled up and sent forth with this Spirit…the presence that drew me in and brought me back daily to this communal practice.

As I stood, I could feel the river flowing once again, drought no more, at least temporarily. Then, I recalled how I expressed a desire for the same Spirit of life, light and truth that was present at a friend’s home the prior week to also be present once more in the place in which I was now standing…a place in which it had been feeling next to intolerable to experience such a void. Aaah! Answered prayer…my heart once more filled with gratitude, and in awe of the Lord. All that was left, to pray. May the Spirit be upon and flow through all who enter this sacred space, and all who lead…replacing any darkness, with God’s grace.

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD and exult in my saving God.” – Habakkuk 3:18

OpenDoors