Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
THOUGHTS ON A FOGGY MORNING
In these early autumn mornings
the hills awaken and cast off their blankets to greet the sun,
covering those of us who walk the valley.
The fog envelops me
as a shroud of infinite mystery and unknowing
and yet
the fog embraces me
as a comforter of divine presence and certainty.
Seeing these as one and the same
I know I am catching a glimpse of God.
(Photo by Karen, Hurricane, WV)
HUMBLY HUMAN… AND HOLY
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(Friday, October 1st)
REFLECTION:
The highlight of my week was an overnight retreat with my friend, Nancy! We were inspired, comforted, and challenged as we learned about Boundless Compassion at Lial Renewal Center (the retreat was based on Joyce Rupp’s beautiful book with the same title).
Taking time away for quiet contemplation helps open our souls to the movement of the Spirit. During one break, I sat at the small lake, pondering an insight we had just discussed. In her book, Joyce Rupp writes, “Research by quantum physicists like David Bohm assures us that we are also united on a physical plane by a bond of invisible connections. Our physical self consists of invisible energy packets of light and heat called photons… every particle is in motion. Each part connects and interrelates with each other.”1
Isn’t this discovery SO miraculous and delightful? The Light of God’s goodness and love pervades every part of God’s creation!
I began to have this sense that I too, was divinely connected to God, to Christ, to all of humanity, and to the entire universe. This idea of infinite connection – along with the wonder and serenity of the moment – overwhelmed me with joy and tenderness. I went back inside for the next session, feeling grateful, loved, and holy.
Sr. Dean had just begun introducing the next session when I was surprised by another sudden thought: Yes, Karen, you are divinely connected to God and the universe. You are part of God’s infinite light and love, you are intertwined with all of life.
You are also connected to the toad, the snake, and the slug.
I almost laughed aloud! It seemed as if God was reminding me that I am still a lowly human. I may soar with the angels – but I will also slog through the mud with those I find “less lovely.”
Now, as I reflect on this week, I find a greater purpose to God’s marvelous photons and how they interconnect with all of creation. We are meant to be connected in love, in holy light; we have been created in love and light for this very reason! To see ourselves or any other part of creation as perfectly divine or as pitifully demeaned will only keep us prideful, judgmental, and uncaring, or envious, hopeless, and despairing. We are connected through our holiness and our brokenness. We need this awareness that we are both holy and broken in order to be lovingly united with all living beings.
My reflection went one step further. Too often, I come before God as more broken than beautiful. God seems to be showing me that I am equally both, and beloved as both. As God reveals my humble humanity I am also assured that I am still a beautiful blessing…
I am broken, and I am beloved.
I am human, and I am holy.
I am insignificant, and I am immense.
I am imperfect, and I am incredible.
I am lowly, and I am lovely.
I am but a tiny flicker on the horizon… and I am also the infinite light of God.
BENEDICTION:
May you find you are an integral part
of the infinite light of Love –
a small but essential ray of hope
to help others rise above
the darkness of their grief or pain,
the depth of their dejection.
May you be one who helps them know
we share a divine connection.
May you rejoice in every imperfection
and smile with every flaw
for you are perfectly created
by our God of wonder and awe.
May you thank God for merciful grace
as you recognize your humanity,
and share the light of God’s true love
as you celebrate your divinity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
BIBLE PASSAGES TO BLESS YOUR WEEK:
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSV)
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 (NRSV)
So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
1 John 4:16 (NRSV)
~~~~~
1Rupp, Joyce. Boundless Compassion. Notre Dame: Sorin Books; 2018: page 17.
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen, Lial Renewal Center at sunrise, Whitehouse, Ohio
BAGGAGE CLAIM
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(Friday, September 24th)
REFLECTION:
Looking back on this week, I am grateful for the many blessings of each day! But, as I lamented with my sister, I often felt as if I had just solved a problem, completed a task, or put a concern to rest, when I would find another one waiting to be addressed. All in all, the week was very good – the burdens were fairly minor – but I noticed that there were very few moments of “freedom,” of feeling free of responsibilities, burdens, or cares.
Do you sometimes feel as if life’s burdens constantly pass before you, just waiting for you to pick them up? The baggage claim carousel at the airport seems to describe this feeling perfectly.
Imagine three conveyors behind the wall at the airport terminal. One is being loaded with responsibilities that we have brought along and will readily claim – baggage that includes such things as our career work, daily tasks, volunteer time, self care, family needs. However, next to that one is a conveyor being loaded with surprises – burdens of health issues, financial losses, appliance breakdowns, ongoing pandemics. Finally, there is a third conveyor that is being filled with the burdens and baggage of others – those we love, those who are hurting, and those of the world. As these come together and pass before us, we can feel overwhelmed and helpless! And just as we try to frantically take on each burden, someone thrusts another bag at us and says, “Here, take this!”
Today’s reflection is inviting me to remember that the baggage on the carousel will keep circling. The baggage we miss or choose to leave on the conveyor will eventually return to us again, giving us time to ask some discerning questions before we choose the next burden to lift and carry…
Is this bag truly mine to pick up, or does it belong to someone else? Am I being responsible or helpful – or am I interfering or enabling?
Could I let this burden remain on the carousel and pick it up the next time it circles by? Is someone further down the line waiting for this one? Could there be another person who is more willing and capable of lifting this bag?
I want to carry some of that heavier burden, but how might I lighten the load? Which things are essential and which are frivolous? What responsibility belongs solely to me, and what is meant to be shared?
Do I find myself rushing ahead to grab a bag, instead of waiting for it to come to me? How does my fear reach for burdens that may never come to pass?
How might I be strengthened or perfected if I choose this particular burden? Is this a time for me to take on a burden that could foster growth and faith?
Am I resting and restoring in the empty spaces between each bag? Should I let this burden pass until I catch my breath?
Will carrying this burden bless and help another? If so, in what ways could I ask God to help me?
Am I keeping one hand free for a “here, take this” moment? Have I safeguarded enough strength and space for any unexpected and urgent baggage?
And in a moment of honest retrospection:
Why am I looking over at the next carousel? Am I afraid to leave empty-handed?
The baggage and burdens of life will continue to come at us. Yes, we are called to carry the burdens of one another; we are called to take up the cross of humble service and love, but we are also invited to the peace that can be found in placing ourselves and our burdens into God’s loving care. We are called to do some heavy lifting, but we are also invited to come away and rest. I realize that we don’t always have time to stand and contemplate each burden that comes our way, but perhaps we can pause for a moment to ask God, “Is this burden mine to take, and if so, will you help me carry it?”
This seems to be my message for the week. Does this touch your soul, too?
BENEDICTION:
May you pause between the spaces
of the burdens passing by
to seek God’s wisdom as you choose
which bags are yours, and why.
May you be mindful of the needs of others
as you select each piece
and trust in One who helps you know
which to carry or release.
May you find surprising hope and joy
among these burdens, too;
claim these as gifts of light and love
from the One who dwells with you.
~~~~~~~~~~
BIBLE PASSAGES TO BLESS YOUR WEEK:
Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
(Psalm 55:22 NRSV)
Do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10 NRSV)
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. (Galatians 6:2, 9-10 NRSV)
~~~~~
Photo by Dimitri Karastelev on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION (INTRODUCTION)
Dear Reader Friends,
I have always loved the benediction at the end of a worship service. The benediction serves to close our time together, and to bless us as we “depart in peace to love and serve others.” Our worship service is a time to praise and thank God, to reflect on Bible readings and a sermon message, to pray for ourselves and others, and to gather and share a meal in community. The benediction then blesses us to take what we have received from Christ and our time together, and to go into our daily living, refreshed and ready for loving service.
What would happen if we were to look back at our workweek, our regular daily living, as a time of worship and reflection? How much would our lives change If we were to review any highlights or common themes that seemed to reveal new insights, lessons, or gifts from God in recent days? How might we deepen in faith and grow in love if we were to close out each week with a benediction – a blessing on what we have received, and a prayer to use what we have gained or gleaned for the week ahead?
I feel drawn to try this practice. Would you like to join me?
Each Friday, I will reflect on the experiences and emotions of the week, prayerfully seek any lessons or insights God may reveal, then offer a benediction to gratefully close and set aside that week, with a blessing to better live and love in the new days ahead.
I pray that my thoughts, words, revelations, and inspirations will be pleasing to God, and will serve to bless you, too.
Your Friend,
Karen 🙂
(Photo by Karen, Hurricane, WV)
WELL, AT LEAST…
When my loved ones and I are saddened by trials or misfortunes, I often find myself saying, “Well, at least…” and then naming a few reasons to be grateful.
While isolating during the pandemic, I would say to Jim, “Well, at least we have our nice cozy home and each other.” When plans fall apart, I cling to the hope, “Well, at least we can try again next year.” When I fail to achieve a desired outcome, I convince myself, “Well, at least I tried my best.” When I had cancer, I inwardly thought, “Well, at least I have had a good life… at least I was able to raise my family… at least Jim and I had a few wonderful years together.”
This may make me sound like an optimist, always looking toward the bright side of life. In reality I’m only trying to cheer and console myself, as well as those who share my frustration, disappointment, or sadness. Life can be so very difficult, especially in those times when our troubles cannot be resolved or reduced; when the only peace we can find is in holding gratitude for what remains.
But this morning I was deeply reassured and comforted by this awareness:
Even if we were to lose every earthly gift we have, even if we were to face our worst trials yet, even if we were reduced down to our very “least” – whether our possessions, health, loved ones, or life itself – we will STILL have God. In every circumstance, we can confidently say, “Well, at least we have God.”
And God is our best; God is our most! When we are down to our very least, we will still have our very most!
We will always have God – who is our primary, essential, utmost need. We will always have God – who is our source of power, comfort, peace, joy, hope, and love. We will always have God – who makes all things new, who restores and resurrects, who is life itself. In God, we have everything and more. For eternity. With everyone. Our amazing God is both the source and the reason for our peace, trust, and hope.
In addition, I have discovered that when I am down to my least, I can more clearly feel and see God’s “most.” My desperation opens me to feel God’s mercy and love more deeply. My grief moves me to rest in God’s comfort and peace more securely. My frustration leads me to cling to God’s power and plan more fully. Whatever life may bring, I can trust that God will make good, God will be my everything, God will remain my “most.”
I am reminded of Paul, who endured so many hardships and pain in his life, and yet he wrote,
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him… (Philippians 3:7-9a NRSV)
Whatever this day may bring, God will remain. Wherever our path takes us, God will go with us. Whenever we are reduced to our very least, God will always, always be our very most.
(Photo by Karen)
FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY: THANK YOU (AND FAREWELL)
Dear Kate and my FMF Writer Community,
THANK YOU so much for these FMF prompts, encouragements, and opportunities over this past year! I have loved the challenge, and I have appreciated how our community comes together each week to read, share, and support one another.
But, thanks to another honest and insightful blogger (who shared how difficult it is to write in five minutes), I recognized that I have not been “playing fairly.” As much as I try to keep the five-minute time allowance, I struggle with allowing my writing to simply “be” without further reflection and editing, and with having too much to say. 😉 For these reasons, I am going to take a leave from Five Minute Friday and write other posts instead. I want to foster the integrity of this writing community – as well as my own.
I WILL be by to read your posts and be in touch! You are forever in my heart.
Thank you, Kate, for your good work. You are a blessing to us all.
Karen 🙂
(Five Minute Friday is an online writing community. Each week, Kate gives us a one-word prompt and five minutes to write. You may find other posts or add your own at https://fiveminutefriday.com/2021/09/02/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-city/)
Photo by Karen, Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, Ohio
NOTICE AND DISCOVER – GREETING GOD
NOTICE AND DISCOVER #7
Monday, August 30th
Now that school has started again, I have been making some adjustments to my walking route and schedule. Jim needs to prepare for his bus route early each morning, so I generally begin walking soon after he heads to the bus garage. I find that I love this earlier walking time. At this hour, the rabbits and birds seem to be more trusting of me, lingering near my path even as I come closer. I appreciate the early morning glow of the sky at sunrise, the quieter surroundings, the cooler temperatures. My pace is slower and more spiritual as I savor the solitude within me, the stillness around me.
Part of the joy of my route comes from greeting my neighbors – those walking or driving by me. I smile and wave to everyone, hoping to convey that I am happy to see them, to share this moment in our separate journeys, to bless them as we begin this new day. But this week, I have noticed that there comes a time when I stop waving. As the school traffic begins to increase, smiling and waving to every car would appear ridiculous, so I avert my eyes from the people and turn my focus to safely dodging the vehicles.
I wonder if this also happens with God. Our ever-present God is coming to us, one God-moment after another, as steadily as oncoming traffic during rush hour. But we cannot comprehend any of these moments until we pause long enough to seek out one. In the early morning quiet, when life is slower and we are mindful, we can more easily see and acknowledge God’s presence all around us. But when our hectic life keeps coming at us – or when our frantic selves keep coming at life – we begin to avert our eyes and turn our attention solely on our success or survival.
Life can come at us with full force, but God is there in it, too. My invitation for this week is to take small moments throughout the day to simply pause what I am doing and turn my attention to greet God; to stop still in the middle of my busyness and say, “I see you God, I am happy to share my journey with you, and I hope to bless you in this moment.” This practice will be similar to taking a quick snapshot of the life before me, then noticing where I find God’s presence in the details. I trust that in doing so, I will recognize God’s active presence and power more often and in new ways.
Does this invitation speak to your heart? How might you begin pausing more often to greet God throughout the day? Can you recall a time when you were not aware of God’s presence until you took a closer look at that snapshot memory of your life? With enough practice, could our attentiveness become a way of life, could our mindfulness extend into every moment of our daily living?
If you were to pause right now to greet God, where would you look first?
My prayers have been for you.
(This is the last post of the Notice and Discover summer series. I will be taking a short break but plan to begin a new series after Labor Day. Thank you, friends!)
Photos by Karen, Hurricane, WV
FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY: DESPERATE
The times in my life when I have felt the most desperate –
when I have felt so very
brittle and broken,
tender and terrified,
frail and fearful,
lost and lonely,
confused and cornered,
sorrowful and searching,
helpless and hopeless –
were also the times I most felt your infinite and loving presence.
Thank you for the desperation that draws me closer to you.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NRSV)
(Five Minute Friday is an online writing community. Each week, Kate gives us a one-word prompt and five minutes to write. You may find other posts or add your own at the link above!)
NOTICE AND DISCOVER – BRIGHTEN
(NOTICE AND DISCOVER, #6)
Monday, August 23rd
When Jim and I first moved to our new home in West Virginia, our yard was bare and empty. Jim has since created landscape borders and planted bushes; now we only need some colorful flowers or trees to have a beautiful setting. But I am realizing – even as I hate admitting – that I am not a gardener. I love those vibrant greens, cheerful blooms, and shady trees, but I have found that even a few potted plants quickly become “bothersome” and I give them away.
So, I am grateful for the flowering beauty I find on my daily walks, planted by neighbors who are more dedicated to gardening than I am. These neighbors have created colorful flowerbeds for all of us to enjoy. By brightening their one small part of the neighborhood, they also brighten the route for walkers like me. Seeing the variety of bright colors brings such joy to my day!
However, each Friday my route takes me by the trash bins that have been emptied earlier that morning. Often times, stray pieces of trash have been dropped and left behind. I usually take a moment to pick up any loose garbage and toss it back into the bins, doing my small part to keep the trash from being scattered by the wind or squished by passing vehicles. This week, I “notice” that I am also contributing to beauty when I clean up these messes along the way. I may not have a green thumb, but I do have an able body to remedy a problem or ease a burden, to help make the world a bit brighter.
My invitation for this week is a reminder to be attentive to the small ways I might make the world a little better, brighter, and more beautiful. When the world can feel so heavy and I can feel so helpless, God is reminding me to simply do what I can. I sense an invitation to pour as much goodness and brightness as possible into my small part of the world. And I have two small ways of doing so…
How might I brighten my corner by adding beauty? Could I create a poem, send a flower, cook a meal, photograph a scene, walk with joy, offer a smile, reach out with kindness, share a good thought, play peek-a-boo, write a letter, elicit a laugh, lend a book, host a tea party?
How might I brighten my corner by easing burdens? Could I pick up trash, dry a tear, listen to a story, speak up, help out, send a card, carry a load, clean up a trail, donate food, offer assistance, care for a child, write to a prisoner?
Do these invitations call to you? Are you one who loves to add beauty, or are you one who tends to ease burdens? In what ways are you being invited to make your corner of the world a little brighter, a little better? With God’s help, our small but beautiful contributions will brighten our world, one smile at a time.
My prayers for you continue.
Photos by Karen, Hurricane, WV
FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY: TEACH
God of all wisdom,
As the students begin to go back to school, I long to become your student again.
Teach me how to be more like Jesus when the world beckons me otherwise.
Instruct me through your Good Word when I am seeking answers.
Equip me with your powerful Spirit when I feel inadequate.
Train me to discover new insights through the challenges of life.
Ground me in humility when my pride overflows.
Coach me when I need direction.
Guide me when my path is unclear.
Enlighten me when I am distracted from your abiding presence.
Reveal your strength to me by uncovering my weakness.
Demonstrate your lovingkindness by awakening my need for mercy.
Show your compassion to me by allowing and comforting my heartache.
Instill in me the deep desire to remain your faithful student, your devoted disciple.
Amen
~~~~~
(Five Minute Friday is an online writing community. Each week, Kate gives us a one-word prompt and five minutes to write. You may find other posts or add your own at the link above!)
Thanks to those of you who have read of our health concerns and included Jim and me in your prayers. His heart valve is leaking but is not an immediate concern at this time, and my lab results indicate no new cancer!
Simply Soul Searching 