Shining Spirit

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.

If you want to climb a mountain, you always start at the bottom. And, sometimes, if you want to stand in The Light, you have to walk through the wilderness. The embers of yesterday are often painful, the scenery unpleasant. No one would choose to be there, except that’s where the pathway leads.

Do you think that standing on the summit is more awesome because the pathway runs through remnants and remembering? The pathway is not punishment, it is potential, it is possibility.

See all the footprints? Lots of people have traveled here before you. Don’t be afraid to make your own mark, to leave your footprints along the pilgrim passageway.

Look up. Press on. Focus on The Light.

My guess is that if you have a chip in your wing, it’s tricky to fly straight. Wind currents must feel different,

the wing-flap ratio would be altered, thrust potential would be reduced and there might be a tendancy

to always be, as in this guy’s case, in a constant left turn. A lot of us feel like we’re flying in circles.

If you have a rock in your shoe, you can take it out and walk on with a smile. But if you’re missing part

of your wing, you have to learn to live in ways that often challenge creativity, stamina, and courage.

Life isn’t easy.

But what are the options? Never fly again? Never try? Bees are meant to buzz around from one

sweet flower to the next, and human beings are meant to affirm their humanity,

even if… Even if…

Let nothing hold you back. Chip or no chip, you were designed to be you.

And you are at the top of the OK list.

It’s so much easier to go downhill. Little effort. Coast along. But for the joy of the descent, there

is no benefit. But, the uphill. Now there is where the blessing resides.

It is strenuous and literally breath-taking. Ah, but the view is spectacular.

Today, tackle the hard thing you’ve been avoiding.

Overcome. Don’t give in to it. If you put it off, it will be there tomorrow.

Maybe halfway up you will wonder if you can make it…but you

will. You are not alone. You are never alone.

Climb. Hum a tune as you go.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve moved in my lifetime.
And here we go again. 
For twenty years the U.S. Navy helped me increase my
record, but I can’t blame the Navy for all of them.  
You’ve heard of “down-sizing”?  See what my closet looks like now?
Well, that’s not exactly true.  The rest of my wardrobe is in a 
blue plastic tub somewhere between here and there.

I probably sound like I’m complaining and grumping
about this move.  I am, but I do remember one basic tenet
of the Christian faith:  Christians have always been people 
on the move…trusting The Leading, following The Light,
not held down by anchors but liberated to be alive in
Christ.  The Way is the way.  

So, when the dust settles (literally and figuratively)
and I find my other pair of pants, I’ll let you know.
Press on!