SEEING FOR MYSELF

~ We had quite a storm last spring, with strong winds and heavy hail. The roof at St. Timothy’s sustained damage, and as the parish administrator, I arranged the repair estimates and insurance coverage. After numerous contacts with companies who asked what our other bids were or what our insurance settlement would be, I was pleasantly surprised and relieved when I called one contractor who immediately said, “Please don’t tell me what your settlement or current bids are. I would like to come out to see for myself.” His bid was reasonable and his integrity sound. We chose that company and we were very pleased by the work done.

~ Jim will begin a new position as a resource teacher in our neighborhood elementary school this August. While out walking one day, I came upon a friend of ours who had worked at the school a few years ago. Knowing she would be interested, I told her Jim’s news. She responded by advising me to warn him about which staff members he should avoid, which ones would be trouble. I chuckled to myself as I walked away, because I had anticipated her cautionary reaction from other conversations we have had. Jim will see for himself; he and I have learned from experience that it is wise and kind to meet new people with fresh eyes.

~ Amid the distressing stories (along with the cover-ups and lies) being shared in the news and social media, I am trying to seek greater truth and understanding. I find it helpful to consider a variety of independent news sources, to learn more about our nation’s history, to regard the character and credentials of those who are sharing the stories, to recognize the ways that selfish human pursuits are harming our earth and people, and–most difficult of all–to check my own bias when gathering information.

I also try to keep seeing for myself how goodness still remains. I see the beauty of the sunrise, the sweet birds at our feeders, the innocent delight of our grandchildren, the kindness from a stranger, the tender care of a considerate friend, the smiles and laughter around the dinner table, and the gentle goodness in our Creation Care group, as we grow in relationship with the earth, with God, and with one another.

~ Last week, I heard these insightful words: “How we see God is how we live our lives.” This has helped me understand the different ways people live out their faith. Those who see God as punitive, angry, and unforgiving will live their lives in fear, in judgment of others, in following rules of law. Those who see Jesus as their ticket to heaven–simply by believing he will get them there–will miss out on the eternal life available to us in this moment, in his presence with us, here and now. Those who see God with awe and wonder will respond with respect and humble obedience. Those who see God as Jesus revealed to us through his life and teaching, will live with greater generosity, compassion, justice, forgiveness, kindness, and love.

When I look to Jesus, I see for myself how we are called to love God, love others, and follow his humble ways of serving one another. Yes, life in Christ can be demanding and difficult at times–but also a life of abundant peace and joy.

~ And perhaps the best way to “see for myself” is in the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret;
it is only with the heart that one can see rightly,
what is essential is invisible to the eye.” 

May I increasingly see this precious life, this sacred earth, and this beautifully diverse humanity with a spirit of integrity, with a fresh perspective, with a genuine pursuit of truth, with a continual awareness of all that is good, with the guidance of Christ, with an acceptance of divine mystery–and always and only with the eyes of love.

(Photo by Karen; Wildwood Metropark, Toledo)