Shining Spirit

Sometimes the road is long and lonely, and it feels like I’m all alone. But one of faith’s basic, core ideas denies that. True, no other person is in sight, yet there is an intuitive, instinctual companionship that prompts me to turn the pedals and keep the bike moving. A mind game? No, a heart reality. Explainable? No, experiential. I was riding the other day on a long stretch, all by myself, when another rider came up behind me very quietly. I only knew he was there when he said: “Behind you”, a courtesy alert. Behind, beside, above, below…with. Keep pedaling. You’re not alone.

Do you think human feet have stood on this magnificent piece of the Earth? Is there somewhere remaining that has never been the site of a footprint? These sacred locations in nature are often called Thin Places, a coming together of two realms or dimensions. It’s like heaven and earth overlapping so that there is created an exceptional moment of awareness. But, then, every piece of earth has the potential to be a Thin Place. When Spirit touches Spirit, a new depth of awareness is reached, and, most often, life is never the same again. I’ve discovered that you can’t plan an encounter with a Thin Place; it just happens. It is a “gift” moment to be deeply appreciated and remembered often. Be on the lookout today. This just might be your day.

Appreciate beauty for beauty’s sake. Be grateful from the heart, not just the mind. I’ve met some beautiful birds, but none quite like this one. This is one little drop of gorgeous. Just like the one that fell on you. You! Whether you like it or not, want it or not, deserve it or not, believe it or not, You are uniquely wonderful. And other people see that in you, even if you don’t. Spread your wings, show-off your colors, fly.

They don’t land on water, do they? If they do, they don’t float very long. So, I was very surprised to round a curve in the country lane and find this strange sight. I pulled off the paved road, onto a grassy shoulder, and into frightened non-belief. The balloon was coming down, down, very slowly, but down for sure. A mechanical failure? Pilot error? That’s a pond, in case you haven’t figured it out. Then, with one blast from the onboard heat source, the colorful giant stopped its descent, held steady for a moment about 24 inches above the wet, and then started to climb. Up and up until it cleared the trees and floated away on a friendly breeze. Now, I offer this advice for the next time you ride in a porous wicker basket under a hot-air balloon over the lovely countryside, near a small pond. Consider the natural order of life: Wicker baskets don’t float, and the last time I looked, there was no flight attendant demonstrating the proper use of an inflatable onboard the average passenger basket. But, then, maybe you are a card-carrying member of the “I’ll Try Anything Once” club. Trust me, once is all you’ll get with a basket full of people, a flame torch and a bad idea. Stick to mahjong. It’s healthier. Unless, of course, you’re a poet…Roses are red, violets are blue…hmm. The theological insight? Hmm. Subtle, isn’t it.