Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
PREPARING ROOM–ADVENT 2023 (INTRODUCTION)
In these past months, we were blessed with visits from dear friends and family members, and I found a special delight as I prepared our spare bedroom for their overnight stays. While I cleaned and dusted, changed the bedding, set out towels, provided extra toiletry items, and decorated for the autumn season, I envisioned the comfort of our guests and the joy of our time together. I wanted each of them to sense how happy we were to have them with us, how important they are to us, how I hoped they felt contented and comfortable. I especially wanted them to know they are always welcome and wanted here.
I have been reflecting on this idea as the Advent season approaches. We often consider this season as a time of preparation, a time to prepare our hearts to receive Christ Jesus once again. And since Jesus has already come, we have access to every gift he offers—especially the Advent gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Wouldn’t it be lovely if he would find our hearts fully prepared with the gifts he has so generously shared with us?
In this year’s Advent reflections, we will consider how we might prepare our hearts much like we would prepare our homes. What might we do to make our hearts a welcoming space? What kind of furnishings would we have? What special touches would we add, what extra efforts would we make? How might we create a heart-room that fosters the comfort of Jesus and enhances the joy of our time together?
Each week, we will consider four tasks within the Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love:
~ Clear the clutter (Sunday)
~ Organize or rearrange the space (Monday)
~ Furnish or decorate the room (Wednesday)
~ Rest to be refreshed and ready for his arrival (Friday)
My prayer is that these reflections will enhance your Advent preparations. I am grateful for your presence here!
(Photo by Karen)
THE GRACE OF GRATITUDE
I am wondering… do you feel as I do, a bit reluctant to be joyfully grateful this Thanksgiving?
I have many blessings–for which I am very thankful–but I am also concerned about those who are enduring terrible circumstances; the immense grief and loss from wars, disasters, and other tragedies; the painful awareness of our nation’s broken and often hateful history; some family concerns and sadnesses. I have been feeling as if I would be short-sighted and selfish to celebrate my blessings while others are lacking… my contentment when others are suffering… my joy when others are grieving.
Then a few days ago, I read this article from Greater Good and was reminded that gratitude has several aspects–and I had been neglecting the full significance of gratitude:
Robert Emmons, perhaps the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude, argues that gratitude has two key components, which he describes in a Greater Good essay, “Why Gratitude Is Good.”
“First,” he writes, “it’s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received.”
In the second part of gratitude, he explains, “we recognize that the sources of this goodness are outside of ourselves. … We acknowledge that other people—or even higher powers, if you’re of a spiritual mindset—gave us many gifts, big and small, to help us achieve the goodness in our lives.”
Emmons and other researchers see the social dimension as being especially important to gratitude. “I see it as a relationship-strengthening emotion,“ writes Emmons, “because it requires us to see how we’ve been supported and affirmed by other people.”
Because gratitude encourages us not only to appreciate gifts but to repay them (or pay them forward), the sociologist Georg Simmel called it “the moral memory of mankind.” This is how gratitude may have evolved: by strengthening bonds between members of the same species who mutually helped each other out.1
This Thanksgiving, may I be mindful of each aspect of gratitude as I thank God for every goodness in my life. May I be:
Joyfully grateful
for these bonus days of living,
for my precious family and friends,
for my home and all good gifts,
for the beauty of creation,
for the love of God.
Humbly grateful
for all good gifts, unmerited, undeserved, given by grace alone,
for dear ones who have freely loved and encouraged me,
for helpful servants who have taught, healed, mentored, or inspired,
for all who work for the betterment of the world.
Generously grateful
for every gift I can share with others,
for a spirit of kindness and compassion,
for each caring community in the world,
for the wisdom to steward all of creation.
Tearfully grateful
for the friends and mentors who have gone before,
for our laughter, love, and life together,
for the beautiful promise of eternity.
Hopefully grateful
for the assurance that God is always present, always loving,
for the goodness that awaits, remains, and overcomes,
for the guidance to make the world a little better,
and for the dawning of each new day.
1https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude/definition
(Photo by Karen)
REFLECTIONS OF GOODNESS–WEEK TWO
(Each November, Sarah E. Westfall invites writers to notice and share the goodness they find in the small moments of the day, using the tag, #liturgyofthelittlethings on Instagram. These were my reflections from the week.)
November 9th
READY FOR THE SEASON
Nature seems to be starting early with its Christmas decorating. My longing, ready heart says, “Bring it on!”
I am grateful for the gifts of Christmas that nature brings to mind–the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love–and to recognize that these gifts of goodness are always with us, for every day, in every season.
November 10th
I had a delightful surprise that is perfect for today’s #liturgyofthelittlethings post! Two marvelously creative artists, my son-in-law, @rial_rye and my Instagram friend, @jefferywilcoxpaclipan are contributors for the Little Things Exhibit @swancoachhousegallery from now until January 4th.
Both of these artists have wonderful works, and their background stories and spirits are inspirational as well. I encourage you to learn more about them on their Instagram profiles!
November 14th
As autumn glory fades and falls
to carpet earthly ground
but winter snows have not yet come
with whiteness all around
then sweet November brings the frost
to trim the leaves below
with dainty decoration
between the blaze and snow.
November 15th
Between the peaks and valleys,
on the hillsides where we spend
so many of our earthly days,
how might we better tend
ourselves, our souls, our spirits
to flourish and to grow?
How do we nurture and maintain
between each high and low?
May we know just where to cling
and let our roots grow deep,
so when the storms of life rain down
this hillside long and steep,
we do not lose our footing
nor let go and wash away
but absorb what is essential
to thrive another day.
November 16th
While walking around our community cemetery, I was drawn to this gravestone. The name, Adkins, is part of my history, my heritage. And even as I don’t know this person, after reading the beautiful words I know we are eternally kindred. We are united through spirit, we are lovers of nature, we are the ones who have found our peace in the sanctuary of the earth’s grandeur.
PEACE OF MIND
Peace of mind is to breathe the air
at the top of a West Virginia mountain,
to watch a red autumn leaf float
lazily down a crystal river;
a campfire on a hill for all for miles to see.
In my mind I think of times left behind,
in the mountains of Appalachia,
where rivers run like liquid crystal
and mountains reach to touch the sky.
To climb a mountain and look off on
all there is to see gives one of the
greatest feelings of all, those of
love, peace and tranquility.
The mountain looks so rough and rugged
like the mighty warriors
guarding sacred valleys of the sun,
but to those who know the mountains
as I do, see them as the mother of us all,
who gives us love, life
and our peace of mind.
~ D.B.A.
(Photos by Karen)
SUNBEAM MOMENTS
On a recent hike up Meek’s Mountain, I was pleasantly surprised to come upon these sunbeams lighting my path ahead! I regarded the scene as holy, and several familiar Bible verses came to mind…
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
I thought about how lovely it would be to have sunbeams lighting our way, guiding our path each day. To have the visible assurance that we are headed in the right direction, that God’s presence goes with us, that God is pleased to lead the way. When I reached the sunbeams, I paused to center myself in the sacredness of the moment, in the quiet joy of feeling immersed in God’s presence on this holy ground. And as I then resumed my hike, I turned to look back at the scene, longing to take it in one more time…
I couldn’t see the sunbeams.
The beams of light reflected in the mist were only visible from my earlier perspective on the path. Had I been hiking from the opposite direction, I could have been standing in a “sunbeam blessing” yet never have known. So much of how we see life depends on our viewpoint, our perspective.
An integral part of our faithful journey is to recognize that there is always more to life “than meets the eye.” Every moment might be a holy one, every step a guided one. Maybe the place we are standing on is holy ground, even if we aren’t quite positioned to see the sunbeams. This is the gift and essence of our faith–the peace and hope we can have in this present moment–as we trust that one day, our new perspective will reveal the blessing held within it.
Photos by Karen
All verses are NRSVUE, found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
REFLECTIONS OF GOODNESS–WEEK ONE
Each November, Sarah E. Westfall invites writers to notice and share the goodness they find in the small moments of the day, using the tag, #liturgyofthelittlethings on Instagram. These were my reflections from the week.
November 1st
On this All Saints’ Day
I lovingly recall
those who have gone before
but who always remain
through
love poured
wisdom shared
humility lived
grace extended
and
joy remembered.
November 2nd
Our local grandchildren live in a neighborhood that isn’t conducive for trick-or-treating, so we are fortunate to have another neighborhood near us that is. These generous people make Halloween special with lots of decorations and candy. We are grateful that our grandchildren have a fun place to go–along with about 300 other young people!
Last year, I began the practice of walking the neighborhood on November 1st to pick up any trash left behind. This small gesture is simply one of gratitude in return for their kindness.
But today I’m mindful
of the good people
who clean up messes,
not once a year,
not in return for a kindness,
not with recognition or reward.
The good people
who are not the mess makers,
but the ones who
regularly and humbly
clean up after them.
Thank you.
November 3rd
Normally this feather would have gone unnoticed, but today it has significance…
A few days ago, I read a post from a writer friend, who had found a similar feather on her daily walk. As she journeys through cancer treatments, this simple gift was a precious symbol of goodness and hope, reminding her of Emily Dickinson’s words,
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul…”
And so, today this feather immediately brought my friend to mind. I don’t know exactly how God works, but as I whispered a prayer for her, I sensed a holy purpose…
a few words written and received,
two writers walking similar paths,
and this one small feather,
connecting us
across time and distance,
inviting me to pray.
November 5th
There is a nest within my soul
where Love abides to stay.
A shelter from the storms of life,
a place to hide away.
There is a nest within my soul
though weathered now, and worn,
but Love finds this a perfect space
in which to be reborn.
There is a nest within my soul
now open to the sky.
For Love has brought me to this place
where I can freely fly.
November 6th
GOING FIRST
With courage to be colorful
and strength to stand apart,
may I make each day wonder-full;
your joy and peace impart.
Transform me in your love so bright
to shine with vivid hue,
and fill my soul with radiant light–
reflecting only you.
Oh, let me never hesitate
to be the first to start,
if I can help initiate
more love in every heart.
November 7th
This morning’s moment of goodness was a quiet pause underneath the pines.
“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures.”
~ Cynthia Rylant
November 8th
OPEN
I wonder what this day will bring;
will something new arrive?
Will my soul soon begin to sing,
or struggle to survive?
Whatever this day holds for me,
my heart’s an open door.
For I hope there will always be
a place for love to pour.
COACHABLE
When I began working as a service representative years ago, I signed up to play on the office co-ed softball team. I thought it would be fun to get to know my coworkers through a social outlet outside of the workplace. But I hadn’t thought about one potential issue: I had never played in a softball league. Other than neighborhood pick-up games, I had hardly played at all.
At the first practice, I–the newcomer–was immediately invited up to bat. I’m not exaggerating to say that I missed at least thirty pitches. Embarrassed, I was ready to step aside after ten, but the coach and players were kind; they encouraged me to keep trying, and they offered suggestions for my stance, my grip, and my focus. There was “great rejoicing” when I finally connected my bat to the ball!
I improved a bit over the season but never excelled, so I didn’t expect any awards at the end of the year. But I did receive one.
Most Coachable. 😉
Now, I probably received this honor because I was the one who needed the most coaching. But I was told that I had earned the Most Coachable award because I had been willing to listen and learn, to try the team’s suggestions, and to persevere.
Forty-five years later, I see how our life experiences lead to greater wisdom, how we learn through our mistakes and corrections, how deeper maturity comes through teachable moments and revelatory insights. The years have provided me with many lessons, and yet this day could be another opportunity for growth. And I wonder if “Most Coachable” will still apply to me.
Are there times when I believe I have seen it all–so now I know it all? Are my beliefs sometimes so firmly ingrained that I can’t see through or beyond them to discover new truths? Does more confidence lead to greater stubbornness?
If I am to grow in the wisdom that comes from experience–through faith, with age–I need to maintain the spirit of a novice; to delight in being “Coachable” more than being “Champion.”
My Creator and Coach,
I hope that you will find me coachable
as you teach and guide me through life.
Help me to thoughtfully…
~consider new ideas and insights,
~set aside defensiveness in correction,
~pause before responding,
~choose the kinder assumption,
~weigh rather than discount,
~and listen more than petition.
Thank you and Amen.
Photo by Winston Chen on Unsplash
TO BE WITH WHAT IS
Revelations from an autumn scene…
As daylight hours begin to wane, the leaves gratefully reciprocate a radiant new light, shining with the splendor that can only come from inner transformation.
The branch bows low in humility, its brokenness apparent, yet the tree steadfastly clings as if to say, “I will always be with you…”
The trees display the wisdom of sufficiency through every season; taking enough for sustenance, sharing what is possible, releasing what is no longer needed, and resting in barren stillness–the sufficiency that provides for seasons and cycles yet to come.
The leaves do not fall in death but as a return to the earth from which they came, becoming nourishment for the soil and protection for the vulnerable new seedlings, uniting with the fallen leaves of long ago that had once nurtured them into being.
The evergreens remain verdant, bringing to mind the unchanging, eternal gifts that remain through every season, gifts such as love, joy, peace, and hope.
Nature inspires us to be with what is…
accepting each season of life,
allowing for change,
responding with grace and dignity,
returning abundance and gratitude,
sharing goodness in beautiful ways,
and ever perceiving,
ever participating
in the work of the Creator.
(Photo by Karen)
SECOND THOUGHT: CONNECTIONS IN CONSOLIDATING
Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn, and you will. ~ Vernon Howard
I must continue to follow the path I take now. If I do nothing, if I study nothing, if I cease searching, then, woe is me, I am lost. That is how I look at it — keep going, keep going come what may. But what is your final goal, you may ask. That goal will become clearer, will emerge slowly but surely, much as the rough draught turns into a sketch, and the sketch into a painting through the serious work done on it, through the elaboration of the original vague idea and through the consolidation of the first fleeting and passing thought.
~ Vincent Van Gogh
We live in a world which in some respects is mysterious; things can be experienced which remain inexplicable; not everything which happens can be anticipated. The unexpected and the incredible belong in this world. Only then is life whole. For me the world has from the beginning been infinite and ungraspable.
~ Carl Jung
May I keep learning to consolidate all of life into one human experience of divine and infinite love.
(Photo by Karen. This is the last of my Connections series–thank you for reading!)
A TIME TO PAUSE…
I had another post ready for today, but the news has been so heavy, so sad… how can I write about embracing and consolidating all of life, when I can’t even begin to fathom how some are surviving it?
For today, I am holding the grief of the world in the silence of my soul.
Let’s be quiet for a moment. Let’s be generous in love. Let’s be hopeful for tomorrow.
Let’s be kind to one another.
Take care of you today, my friends. You are so very loved.
(Photo of a morning in mourning by Karen)
CONNECTIONS: CONSOLIDATING LIFE
I once was the shopkeeper for Scrap4Art, a non-profit organization that accepts donations of art and craft supplies from people who no longer need them. These supplies are then offered at a reduced price for teachers, group leaders, artists, and crafters. The shop’s mission is to steward the earth’s resources and support education by reusing these materials instead of adding them to landfills.
At that time, this vocation was perfect for me. I loved sorting the items and organizing them into specifically themed displays. I loved arranging, labeling, and maintaining tidy shelves. The old proverb, A place for everything and everything in its place became my guiding mantra.
As items sold and left empty spaces, or new items arrived that didn’t fit into the sorted collections, certain areas of the shop would need to be refigured; I would consolidate some groupings or redefine the bins and shelves. If a bin of white beads dwindled, I would combine them with the red and rename the bin, CANDY CANE. Or once the Christmas shelf became depleted, I would add other holiday items and rename the shelf, HOLIDAY. Depending on the supply, there could be labels as specific as REMNANTS OF STRIPED PURPLE FLANNEL or as general as FABRIC. I enjoyed finding ways to integrate every donation.
This practice can lend itself to all of life.
How often do we try to organize our lives into tidy inner files that help us make sense of our experiences or bring purpose to our being? But then we experience a loss, come upon an obstacle, or encounter a challenge that depletes our inventory of dreams and goals. Or we receive an opportunity, gain an insight, or discover an exception that doesn’t quite fit into our bins of beliefs and expectations.
My tasks at Scrap4Art now convey to me that life’s surprises, misfits, and exceptions–the things that initially bring chaos to my soul–can become invitations to expand, consolidate, and sometimes rename old files in order to encompass the new. They can serve as instruments for our souls to increase, learn, adapt, and embrace all that life brings.
While preparing this post, I looked up the definition of consolidate and found another insight. According to Merriam Webster, consolidate means “to join together into one whole, or to unite”–a gift for our personal integrity and spiritual wholeness. But it also means “to make firm or secure, to strengthen”–a gift for our personal perspective and spiritual foundation. Consolidation fills in our empty spaces, expands our understandings, accepts and includes our differences, and in turn, can strengthen our connections within ourselves, with God, and with one another.
Everything belongs. ~ Richard Rohr
(Photo by Karen)
Simply Soul Searching 