Shining Spirit

Some people say it’s hard to look up these days. One thing after another drives our vision to our shoe tops.
Hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, flooding, pandemic, not to mention political hatred and tribal war. Others of us feel like up is the direction of hope. It would seem that way given the stunning rainbow(s) a few days ago. But, for sure, neither aggression nor abdication is going to pull us out of the growing darkness. There are solutions to the problems facing the human race. The problems are solvable. But isn’t it clear yet that solutions have to be based on mutuality. We’ve tried power, self-interest, political persuasion and war. And here we are. The “post-Doom” people say it’s too late. The line in the sand is behind us. I think one thing is certain. Angels and atheists, religious folks and those who reject religion, fundamentalists, evangelicals and progressives and all the other human beings who aren’t sure what label to wear must set aside mean-spirited mandates and meet in the arena of mutuality. We are playing a no-win hand and the stakes are far too high for bluster and bigotry. If you don’t like the phrase “seek first the Kingdom of God”, try “seek the common ground of the human heart.” Chances are we will end up in the same place. When the last bird sings, will it really matter who won?

You’ve heard of a “Dear John” letter? Not the kind of letter you want to find in your mailbox. I wonder who “John” was and why he got bad news. What did he do to make his girlfriend unhappy? Is there such a thing as a “Dear Jane” letter? Anyway, nobody wants to open a letter and read sad or bad news.

My mind played around with this idea when I read the words of the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the Jesus followers in Corinth. Here are his surprising words: “Clearly, you (Corinthians) are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you.” Imagine that! People could read the Corinthian followers like they would read a letter.

So spend some time asking yourself “What kind of letter am I? What do people understand about Jesus and his Way when they read my behavior, my language, my attitudes?” We are living letters. Be sure you aren’t sending out “Dear John” letters to the reading world around you. Something to think about.

It is a struggle to break free,
to disengage from the pleasures
of floating aimlessly on this placid
surface. Floating is easier than flying.

But was I made to float? Is that who
I am? I admire the beauty of flight,
see how she glides on the wind. How
he soars and dives on the friendly currents.

To float or to fly. Is it one or both?
My mind is so accustomed to either/or.
But I am both/and. I have wings for one
and feet designed for the other.

I am doubly blessed. To float or to fly?
Yes.

How amazing to turn the corner and there it is! The Reminder
that aloneness is not an option. Never alone. Sad at times, yes. Frustrated or fearful, but never left without the blessing of living under the rainbow. Take heart. The signal is in the sky. The Sacred Presence is present. Look up!

The desert glistens after a monsoon rain. Bushes and leaves hold droplets of water, just the right amounts for thirsty creatures to find a welcome drink. The washes run full and strong. And the mountains…O, the mountains…are decked out in their finest greenery. Dormant grasses come to life and dress the mountains for celebration and praise of the One who provides and sustains all life. Stand still for a moment and see the handiwork of the welcome rains. And then express your own gratitude for being part of such a display of creative power.