Shining Spirit

My friend walked right past this creature and didn’t see it. Granted, it is quite small, enlarged here for the photograph. And when I called him back to look, he said: “Just another bug.” Really? Later, when I showed him this picture, he changed his mind: “Look at that! It’s a work of art.”

Sometimes, when something is too little, or too common, too weird, too different, too challenging…it might be worth taking a closer look. What if you found a “work of art” upon closer, deeper examination? Be worth the time and effort. Absolutely.

My apologies, friends, for the poor formatting. I tried a new program and it didn’t work. Thanks.

Even the saguaros raise their arms in thankful appreciation.
The earth sings praises in the song of a robin,
a clap of thunder, laughter among friends.
Pray today for Harmony in the song
we sing collectively, Harmony
not discord in the song
we raise to the
Divine Mystery.

Because it’s the easy way doesn’t mean it’s the right way.

Because it benefits you doesn’t mean it benefits me.

Because you believe this doesn’t mean I have to believe it, too.

Because you say so doesn’t make it true

Because you can amass a lot doesn’t mean I can’t have any

Because your skin is white does not mean I am inferior
because my skin is a different color

Because you follow the Christian Path this way, doesn’t mean
that the way I follow the Path is wrong, only that we
both are right.

Your experience is not my obligation. At least that’s what I think.

Hold my hand,
steady my step,
I feel life’s shifting,
swaying like a swing
back and forth.
Deep in my body,
deeper in the soul,
I feel change and change
and change. Each day
is another step on the
narrow bridge that links
life to life, certainty to
mystery, first breath
to First Breath. Hold
my hand, steady my step,
life moves beneath my
feet. Walk by my side
across the Narrow Bridge.

I can’t explain the scientific composition of
a sunbeam; I don’t understand the technicalities.
But I don’t need to, do I.
How would that knowledge benefit my heart?
My mind, maybe, but not my soul that thirsts for
a taste of sacred wonder.
This morning’s glory was enough to drive a person
to his knees, to shock the dullest heart, and cause
someone to rub her eyes in disbelief.
Even if tomorrow morning is not as spectacular,
I have this one to remember,
and each time I do,
I will be grateful.
Very.

There it was. Smashed flat in the parking lot.
I can just see someone running in mad circles,
hands above his head, and shouting “I can’t take it anymore!”
The poor guy had been on the edge all day. Too much
news, 105 degree heat again, the store was out of his
favorite yogurt, the sit-in-your-car line at the coffee
place was about 15. He was looking for any reason
to rip off his mask and yell: “I’ve had enough!”

And he did. There it was on the yellow line, an admission
that even the best plans can jump the rails. “Be Kind”.
Sounds easy. Not always. Life can deal some powerful
low blows, and when they come one after another
there is the temptation to stomp on your “Be Kind” mask
and scream at the person parked next to you.

But don’t.
You won’t feel any better.
All the thorns that caused the
temper tantrum will still be there when
you sit exhausted on the curb.
Before you let out the first bellow,
talk to yourself. Are other people having
the same experiences? Yes. Do you want your
neighbor to see you jumping up and down on a
helpless little mask? No. Would it be better to take
ten deep breaths and calm yourself? Probably.
Do you want to explain all this, in public, to the
law enforcement officer? Definitely not.

Sing a song. Hum a tune. Whistle. Pray.
Turn cartwheels. Whatever it takes.
It wasn’t your “Be Kind!” mask’s fault,
anyway. We’re all in the same lousy boat,
but we’ll find solid ground again.
In the meantime, be kind to your
“Be Kind!” mask. And to your neighbor.
And to yourself.

They say going to the center reveals much.
That’s where the goblins live,
and the dark memories,
and the buried bones.
But the center is also where hope resides,
that’s where freedom waits for a
courageous hand and
a brave heart.
The wonder of following The Way
and walking with the One who set The Way,
is that I don’t have to fathom the center
journey all by myself. I am accompanied
as I confront, console, and comfort
all I encounter.
It’s the same for you, too.
The journey to freedom.