Shining Spirit

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty and darkness covered the deep waters. Then God said: “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that it was good. Then He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”

If you set aside the debate about “historical accuracy” for a moment, where and how is truth contained in these words? Try not to read the words as “explanation” but more as “exploration.” Sometimes there is uncertainty in “beginnings.” Unknowns abound. Clarity is hidden in the darkness of the moment. I say to myself: “I just can’t get a handle on this” but then “the light comes on,” figuratively speaking. We used to call them “Aha!” moments. Eureka! Now I get it! A caution: just because light is called good doesn’t mean that darkness is bad. Don’t make that assumption. It has terrible consequences. And, what is the role of “light” in your life? Is there any? Source? Purpose? Spiritual implications?

Just wondering.

This is a 2,000 page history book. No, more likely a 2,000 volume library. This window into the world is growing still in a small village in southern Arizona, home for one thousand folks, a place you would go to for the sights and smells and textures of life in the slow lane. Pull up a bench in front of the general store and look to your left. Just over there is the City Park, a patch of green grass with the inevitable brass marker affixed to a large stone. A little to the right, that’s the yellow train depot, now the home of a few elected village officials because the train doesn’t stop anymore. The depot is beginning to show its age, a little paint peel here and there, but still a proud reminder of yesterdays when ranchers tied their horses to a hitching rail and sat under the branches of the History Tree. I think it’s nice, once in awhile, to sit in the shade of an ancient tree, lean back so your body touches the bark, and listen. Amazing stories are waiting to be heard. I think the same can be said about that ancient collection of wisdom we call The Bible. We are people of The Book, and, like the village tree, this book still lives to share its stories, adventures, joys and sorrows. I’m grateful for old trees and old books, for the wisdom of the ancients, for the voices of the past informing and inspiring. Why don’t you sit down and listen today? Lean up against a welcoming tree, open The Book in your lap, and join the conversation. You are an important part of creation’s slow movement toward an Ultimate Reality. You are part of the story, a special chapter being written each day. Be grateful for old trees, an ancient book, and an Eternal Source that still speaks to our souls.

A quick glance won’t do. Spend some time with the photograph. Don’t rush. Let it come to you. There is a thought, an insight, an awareness that brings with it a blessing. You will find it not with reason, not with analysis, but only with the eyes of your heart. It is a gift to unwrap slowly. Be still and let the Spirit surface.