Shining Spirit

Little, common sparrows don’t rank very high on the “most impressive bird list.” They lack the color of the Robin, the song of the Mockingbird, the speed of the Falcon, the impressive size of the Eagle, and yet, when you get to know one,
you discover all sorts of interesting things. Like, sparrows are quick and very nimble. They sing a very nice song, one particularly suited for the sparrow community. Sparrows like to hop instead of run…who likes to run! So I’m sending around a petition that demands that sparrows be included in all considerations for the Most Impressive Bird award of 2021. I hope you will look favorably upon the uncommonly common sparrow.

What would this world be like if it produced only Woodpeckers, only Grackles, only Buzzards? Sparrows prove the point that sometimes pretty powerful things are wrapped in rather common exteriors. I’d like to be the first person
on this Saturday morning to endorse the sparrow as the replacement for the American Eagle, should that ever become a necessity. But until that special recognition day, say “good morning” to the sparrows you pass. Treat them with dignity and appreciation. Drop a few breadcrumbs along the pathway, and remember these wonderful little creatures in your prayers of thanksgiving. Consider each a winged presence of the Creative Mystery.

And some people don’t think diversity is a good thing! Perhaps the plant world is the best place to see the mystery and magic of diversity. It is a gold mine of creativity. The loss of any one of these spectacular creations chips away an important piece of life. Of course, all of this could be said about the human race, too. Today, Lord, I will chance upon a remarkable example of divine diversity contained within a plant…or a person. I pray that my eyes will see, my heart experience, and my mouth express sincere gratitude. Amen.

He is the Hope of the world
He is the Prince of Peace
He is the Way
He is Living Water
He is risen.
He is Risen
HE IS RISEN!

I think I’m beginning to understand
what motivates this remarkable man.
He’s not like the others who tried to impress,
but left behind a terrible mess,
not to mention the pain their actions caused
or the times they flaunted the sacred laws.
No, Jesus is not like them.

Here’s a man who lives by faith and trust,
a principled man, one who must
speak the truth when the easier way
would be to smile and glibly say
cut a corner here, bend the rules if you can
and you will become a wealthy man
who knows the value of power.

Last week I saw him at the Beautiful Gate
explaining Torah and the spiritual state
of women and men oppressed and enslaved,
who live with no hope, yet try to be brave
as the army of Caesar and the Temple elite
threaten and bully everyone they meet.
But look what Jesus does.

He comforts the sad and consoles the weak,
heals the wounded and when he speaks
the crowds applaud and shout his name,
but I fear for his life, given his fame.
No one challenges Caesar and lives very long,
especially to suggest that Caesar is wrong.
There’s always a waiting cross.

I cautioned him the other day
but he told me quickly that he had to say
the truth, in spite of the risks involved.
Our problems, he said, are not readily solved
by giving in to the Roman regime
when our hope lies only in Yahweh’s dream,
a kingdom of justice and peace.

Yes, I think I’m beginning to understand
the purpose of this enlightened man.
He sees beyond all evil schemes.
He lives in a world of sacred dreams
that demand so much more than we’re willing to give.
He invites us to choose a new way to live.
He calls it the Kingdom of God

Sometimes, when you least expect it,
your find yourself standing in awe
of the oasis in the desert. Lean
against the shaded tree trunk for
a few minutes and listen to the
river’s song. Pure, clear water
carries two turtles under the
overhanging branches. As the
tree’s arching limbs move in the
afternoon breeze, speckles of
sunlight dance on the water,
diamonds demonstrating their
brilliance.

It is enough to refresh the
weariest traveler, to remind
each of us that in spite of
the frustrations, there are places
of peace. Along with the crushing
sadness of an unending pandemic,
the source of grief and mourning
for so many, there is still hope to
hold and promises to remember.

Does she know?
Is she aware of the
reality? Does she think
of herself as “average?”

She sees the other birds;
gray, black, unimpressive.
Has anyone ever told her
the truth?

You are beautiful! You have
been from your birth and
you are now. You fill the
world with that which only
you can give. Only you.

Among all the things that
live and breathe, you are
extraordinary. And I am
blessed to spend a moment
in time with you.

I’ve never done this before.
That’s a long way down there.
What? Jump? Now?
Okkkkkkkkk
Wow! This is great!
This is like flying!
Legs up for the landing.
That was awesome!
Let’s do it again.

Sometimes the difficult moment
turns out to be one for the books.
Great memory, experience of growth,
just plain fun. It takes courage to live
these days and the will to try.
The joy is not always in the landing,
sometimes it’s in the jumping.
Our bodies may be earth-bound,
but our spirits love to fly.
Fear not.