Gratitude is the light that glows from under the door in a dark room. It is the flower that blooms in the cracks of a rock, the sun filtering through clouds, the rainbow after the storm. It's knowing there is a tapestry on the other side of the knots, and that beautifully colored windows come from bits of broken glass.
When I'm at Mass or before the Blessed Sacrament, I find it is impossible for emotions that are not in harmony with the love of Christ to maintain residence in my heart. They seem to melt away. It is a humbling experience, and I find it quite amazing. My friend, Dean, has written from his heart words that came to him during a recent time of Eucharistic Adoration. I believe they reflect beautifully Christ's heart and I highly recommend a visit to his post. (Simply click on his name.)
I am thinking of how much Christ loves us and feeling very grateful. My husband and I will celebrate twenty years of marriage next month. Reflecting on that, it seems odd that this ragamuffin, who was raised in poverty with chaos as the only constant, can have contributed to something that has not changed for two decades. Before the age of 18, I experienced two divorces, twelve moves, homelessness, abandonment and familial alcoholism; considering that, a 20th anniversary feels like a surprising bonus. God truly writes straight with crooked lines!
This painting by Salvador Dali is called Christ of St. John of the Cross, so named because it was inspired by a drawing of Christ by him. The original painting has the cross suspended over earthly scenery (a lake with boat) and the imagery is a powerful reflection of Christ's presence on Earth."What more do you want, o soul! And what else do you search for outside, when within yourself you possess your riches, delights, satisfaction and kingdom -- your beloved whom you desire and seek? Desire him there, adore him there. Do not go in pursuit of him outside yourself. You will only become distracted and you won't find him, or enjoy him more than by seeking him within you." -- St. John of the Cross
1. O living flame of love
that tenderly wounds my soul
in its deepest center! Since
now you are not oppressive,
now consummate! if it be your will:
tear through the veil of this sweet encounter!2. O sweet cautery,
O delightful wound!
O gentle hand! O delicate touch
that tastes of eternal life
and pays every debt!
In killing you changed death to life.3. O lamps of fire!
in whose splendors
the deep caverns of feeling,
once obscure and blind,
now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely,
both warmth and light to their Beloved.4. How gently and lovingly
you wake in my heart,
where in secret you dwell alone;
and in your sweet breathing,
filled with good and glory,
how tenderly you swell my heart with love.
The graceful, ballerina-like ocean dances of jellyfish speak of a deeper magic invested in living creatures all around us.
Hello, hello: Well, it's Sunday and I'm back... finally. I do not say that from your perspective, but from mine. This blog has become like a new appendage, and I felt I was leaving an arm behind as I trundled on the path ahead, feeling quite incomplete. I look forward to receiving once again the doses of encouragement, inspiration, humor, creativity and beauty in the form of lovely postings by authors of other blogs. My "morning rounds" were like making myself at home in a friend's kitchen, with the smell of baking bread in their oven and a cup of coffee in front of me, sharing thoughts of the heart. I believe I will break this self-imposed fast...
I'm not sure it's necessary to make this announcement really, but I feel I am being called to take a bit of a blog fast; not a complete one, but a fast nonetheless. For the next few weeks I'll be posting less than usual so I may get some important things done in other areas of my life. I will try to post regularly on Sundays.
While reading a book of CS Lewis' letters, I enjoyed discovering a phrase of his, "a good soaking," which he used to describe one's lying down in a woods or meadow for a bit while on a walk. It resonated with me at the time; I thought it so aptly described such luxurious resting!
What is courage? I'm asking this because I decided it might be what's best for my case of today's blues.*
"Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
I don't sit still much anymore. My relationship with God expresses itself with action these days, rather than stillness. When in high school, I spent many hours on the ocean bluffs across from our home, just drinking in God, and I always left with His strength within. There was a time I took frequent long walks with God and filled myself with the quiet awe that comes from contemplating a sunset or the stars.
Oh, how I love a new box of crayons! This is something that has not changed since I was a child, when receiving a new box of them brought a rush of excitement (especially if it was a BIG box!). I loved the anticipation of lifting the lid for the first time and gazing upon the multicolored gathering, all points pristinely sharpened. I loved their colored paper wrapping, the waxy smell of them, the interesting names of the shades. My love of the color periwinkle began with Crayola and continues to this day.
The inspiration for "Heart Haiku" below came from a discussion I had with our young philosopher, Billy (who also happens to be a comedian, writer, Boy Scout, aspiring history teacher and someone who can produce a great burp). We talked about various scientific theories related to our universe, including its creation, shape and movement. Does it expand and contract over time like a bladder, or just expand? Is it saddle shaped, flat or spherical? Will it eventually collapse or can it expand forever? How many dimensions exist within it? Do dimensions beyond the three we experience explain the existence of spiritual beings that live just beyond our awareness? God must exist in many dimensions. Is it "extra" dimensions in Heaven that manifest in new-to-us colors or multiple strains of music playing all at once (as explained by those returning from near death experiences)?
Spontaneously
