Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
No Matter How the Door Closes…
Monday Moment- Day One
I once heard the embarrassing story of someone who stepped into the hallway of his hotel room, still in his underwear, to pick up the morning paper. He was VERY surprised when the door to his room suddenly closed behind him! He had to walk to the front desk in his skivvies to get another key.
In recent weeks, I have witnessed other types of doors closing for several dear ones. The treasured door of married life closed for a friend whose precious spouse died of cancer. The comfortable door of the place called “home” closed for another loved one who moved to an assisted living space. The oppressive door of a stressful career closed for a neighbor who found a better position. As the doors have closed on their old lives, they now face new and unfamiliar lives on the other side.
At different times throughout life we all have had doors close behind us. Stages in maturity, phases of growth, and unexpected changes or challenges tell us we no longer belong in our current room and compel us to enter another- a new and unfamiliar room. Each closing door can come from a variety of circumstances…
There are happy times when we fondly take one last look around the room before gently closing the door behind us. We then step eagerly into a new vocation, a more suitable home, an exciting adventure, or a better way of living. Aware of what we are leaving behind, we linger for a moment… but our hearts are light as we anticipate our brighter future. We grasp the doorknob and pull the door shut, grateful for the memories but ready to let go and move into the future.
There are surprising times when we are like the person at the hotel- when we open the door just to take a peek, and suddenly find ourselves on the other side. When Jim and I first visited Hurricane, WV to see our daughter, we both agreed that the city “was nice enough, but we wouldn’t want to live here.” Soon we were making plans to relocate to Hurricane! When circumstances move more rapidly than expected, we barely have time to grasp the doorknob. We glance back with a hurried thanks and allow the door to shut.
Then… there are painful times when we are swiftly and harshly escorted out the door. We are given no time for looking back, no time to make plans for the future. The door slams shut with the death of a loved one, the end of a job or marriage, the destruction of a home or other catastrophe, or the loss of our good health. We are dumped on the other side of the door into a new life for which we have not prepared, severed from our old life without a moment to pause and reflect. Standing on the threshold of a strange new room, we wonder why our hand never even touched the doorknob.
Whatever circumstances may take us from our current room- happy, surprising, painful- we all end up in the same place. We land on the threshold of a different life, a new beginning, with an unfamiliar view. But the way the doors close behind us affects the way we view the life before us, doesn’t it?
How might we prevent our recent exit from hindering our new entrance? What might we do to take the best first step from the threshold? In what ways do God’s promises help us in these times? This week I will be sharing some thoughts about these closing doors and new beginnings.
Has a door closed behind you in recent times? I pray that you’ll find a blessing as you read this week.
Seeing the Greed… in Me
Monday Moment
Last December, Jim and I purchased a new Christmas tree. I have a collection of angel ornaments, and we had been missing our “angel tree” after downsizing to one tree for our move to West Virginia. This wasn’t a lavish purchase, but at the time I couldn’t help thinking, “Could the money have been used to help someone else? Could the money have made a bigger difference for another life than a second tree does for us?”
I have become discouraged with the climate of great greed that seems to be so prevalent these days. I want to be critical of the millionaires and billionaires who are looking to make even more money, often at the expense (or while disregarding the betterment) of others. Yes, there is a need for consumerism in order for careers to flourish and unemployment to decrease. But I am sad to consider the many who struggle for simple daily needs, as others continue to amass money and goods while looking for new ways to gain even more.
As Richard Rohr writes of the many who have said, “There is more than enough for our need but never enough for our greed.” ¹
Whenever I become critical or judgmental of the ways of the world, I soon sense that God is asking me how I contribute to the problem.
“Karen, are billionaires the only ones who could be described as greedy? Is there a precise cut-off point- a certain number of dollars- that differentiates someone from having enough to having too much? Would you be greedy only if you reach one million dollars or more? Or would you be greedy if you have a second tree while many others don’t even have one tree- or enough food for today?”
I am guilty. I am greedy. Not only can I be greedy with possessions, at times I can be greedy in other ways. Greedy for attention. Greedy for recognition. Greedy for speaking (more than listening) in conversations. Greedy for the pizza slice with the most cheese. I know I can be greedy even in ways in which I am not aware.
Instead of dwelling on the guilt of my greed, the better action would be to ask God the questions that bring about change: “What can I do about my tendency to be greedy? What can I do to better serve the needs of others? In what areas are You inviting me to be more generous and less selfish?” Rather than just pointing a finger or blaming others, I can begin by doing what I can to be part of the solution.
NOW is the time for us to show God’s love, to give people hope, to rally with helpful support, to be shining lights with gracious and generous spirits, in a world that so desperately needs us to do so. God calls us to be people of generosity- no matter our income level.
Jesus tells us, Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:32-34 NRSV)
Our generous lives will show how much we trust his words.
¹Richard Rohr quote from his article: https://cac.org/scarcity-or-abundance-2018-07-05/
Money Jar image by Josh Appel on UnSplash (@joshappel)
Porches
Monday Moment
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2 NRSV)
If heaven gives us options, I would choose a large porch with rockers, gliders, and wicker furniture with comfy cushions for my dwelling place! A beautiful day with plenty of good books on hand. Sweet tea served with real sugar and no guilt. I would spend the day meeting the people I always wanted to meet, but most of all reuniting with those dear ones who have gone before me. To me, that would be perfect.
Mom and I sat on her porch a while ago and talked about a variety of topics, but soon began reminiscing about the fun times our family had enjoyed on the porch over the years. As children, my siblings and I found the porch to be a perfect place for playing school, hosting puppet shows, coloring or painting, reading, and holding overnight sleep outs with our neighborhood friends.
Mom and Dad made lots of memories out there, too, playing cards and laughing into the night with friends and family. Our own family enjoyed many breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the picnic table, and when the grandchildren came along, that same table provided a place for modeling clay, puzzles and board games.
Jim and I added a screened porch to our home last year, and it has swiftly become our favorite living space. We share our coffee and prayer time with the birds and bunnies each summer morning. On cooler evenings, we sit and talk over our days, read, listen to audio books, or visit with our dear neighbors. Slowing my pace helps draw me near to God, as I journal and reflect at the table. Our porch reminds me of my good childhood memories, brings me closer to nature, and connects my spirit with my mom’s, too.
I know the troubles of the world are complex and confusing, but sometimes I wonder if most of the world’s troubles could be solved by “spending more time on the porch.” Imagine world leaders debating issues in tee shirts, jeans and flip flops over a glass of sweet tea. Would the conversation transform into a back porch discussion, with honest searching and mutual compromise? Would the process of negotiation benefit from a casual atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie? Would another viewpoint be more readily heard over board games or cards? Would the hotly contested issues be tempered by cool evening breezes? Would leaders begin to see one another as neighbors by eliminating the conference table and sitting together on a porch swing?
For that matter, how would our lives change if we spent more time on the porch? Would we become better people if we took more time to spend with one another, to feed our souls, to listen to God in nature, to be good neighbors, or to simply BE? One has to wonder how near to heaven our time on the porch might be.
Thank you, Jesus, for promising us that we have a place, with you, in heaven one day. In the meantime, I think I will make a glass of tea, grab my book, and head out to the porch.
(After I had written this blog, Jim told me of the country song, “If the World Had a Front Porch” by Tracy Lawrence. Check it out sometime!)
Fear
Friday
In 2016, Jim and I were in Columbus, Ohio for a lovely June wedding of dear friends. Shortly after we had arrived, we were excited to learn that the Columbus Pride Parade was to be that same weekend! So on Saturday morning, we headed out to the streets with our flags and scarves to cheer on the colorful and beautiful people passing by.
The Parade was just a week after the unfathomable, tragic shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in which 49 people were killed. Our family was still reeling from that heinous act of hatred that night. Our concern for the safety of our beloved dear ones was constantly on our minds. Jim and I even felt a little nervous attending the parade. I suggested that we text our family to let them know we were there…. just in case.
Immediately we received a call from our daughter.
“Well, I guess I have to tell you that I am here, too. I am marching in the parade!”
She had planned to tell us after the parade so we wouldn’t worry. She was marching with other Lutherans in support of LGTBQ+ equality. We all laughed, although mine was a nervous laughter. Relief- but also joy that we didn’t let our fears stop us, our pride for our marching daughter- flooded over us at the end of the morning.
After that, our family talked about the need for us to keep doing what we believe is right, and to keep standing up for those who need us to do so. We agreed that if anything happened to any of us, we would understand the need to carry on, trusting that our dear one was doing exactly what any of us were meant to do.
This is easier said than done, isn’t it? My stomach hurts to even write about the possibility. My fear is not so much for myself, but for my cherished husband, children, and especially all of our LGTBQ+ family and friends. And my risks are SO insignificant compared to the ones my gay loved ones and others face all the time.
The fear is real. One friend had his head pounded against a concrete pavement. One was kicked out of his home. Others have had their cars egged. One simply had an equality bumper sticker on her car and at times faced road rage. Most of them have been cursed by passers-by, just for being who they are.
We have come so far, but please know we have a long way to go. My blogs this week have taken a long time to publish. Not because I had trouble writing them, but because I was afraid to put myself out there. I have already had a few angry reactions and have even lost one friend. Minor things, truly, but they sting.
This is when I think of Jesus. Jesus, who stood for what was right, who spoke for and helped and healed the marginalized, who went to his death in defense of love. Jesus, who calls us to also love and serve one another. Jesus, who tells us time and time again, “Do not fear.”
The truth is, if we let fear keep us from living, we never will have lived, will we? If we allow fear to keep us from doing the right thing, those who evoke those fears will have succeeded. Whatever you may be passionate about, whether it is an issue of justice or a matter of your heart, I hope that you won’t let fear stop you from being who God is calling you to be, to do what God is calling you to do. The world needs you. We need you.
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
I hope this week has blessed you. If you are reading this, know you are in my prayers. Thanks for reading this week.
A Letter of Encouragement
Thursday
Dear LGTBQ+ Friends,
You are not alone.
There are many of us who love you, support you, and embrace you exactly as you are and because of who you are. But fear has kept us from publicly supporting you- for we have seen the hatred, the signs, the attacks, the exclusions. We have heard your painful stories. We have read the news articles. We remain silent because we want to protect you- and to protect ourselves.
But this silence and secrecy are exactly what those who do not understand want us to do. Our silence keeps things as they are. And so today I am adding one more voice, my voice of support, that represents many others who have quietly confided their support with me. This is a letter of encouragement and friendship and love. I hope you are blessed.
You are beloved.
You are beloved by God and by so many of us, not in spite of your orientation or gender, but including your orientation, sexuality, gender, and understanding. You are loved for who you are, for you ARE whom God created you to be.
St. Therese of Lisieux, a beloved saint, saw herself as the “little flower of Jesus” who understood how she could give glory to God simply by living as her beautiful, unique, humble self among the others flowers in God’s garden. She praised God by fully being whom God created her to be. If only all of us could follow her example! What a glorious garden- full of colorful variety- we could create, pleasing and blessing God.
A friend once told me that she liked gay people but then added, “I just wish they weren’t gay.” I thought of my loved ones and how I would not wish to change anything about them. What makes us who we are includes everything we are- physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, culturally; our experiences, religions, teachings, orientations, understandings, beliefs. We all are the entire package! I would not wish to miss the relationships I have enjoyed as I learned and grew through my dear ones’ beautiful spirits, deep souls, joyful creativity, enlightened spirituality, crazy humor, and insightful wisdom.
I only wish I would have said all this aloud.
You are not sinful when you live out your true orientation or sexual identity.
I am not a Biblical scholar. (Then again, can anyone truly comprehend and fully understand this living Word?) But I have studied, listened, pondered and discerned what the Bible tells me- and especially what Jesus tells me- about sexual orientation and living in our true identity. Everything I have learned shows me that living as an LGTBQ+ person is not sinful.
For example, I learned that the rules listed in Leviticus were written by Pharisaic rulers as a “holiness code” to keep the Jewish people separate and pure as God’s chosen ones during the Babylonian Exile. Looking through the book of Leviticus, one will find a number of rules regarding diet, Sabbath-keeping, and religious rituals that most of us no longer keep. Tucked among them are rules about sexual relations. The holiness code has a separate purpose from the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments were given to show us how to love God and love one another, while the holiness codes were intended to keep a culture separate and intact. These rules were also written with a very limited knowledge of sexual orientation or identity at that time. (If anyone would like some resources on this topic, let me know.)*
More significantly, Jesus then showed us how to truly live as children of God. He refrained from adhering to Old Testament rules whenever they interfered with loving and caring for one another. For example, he healed the sick and gathered grain for his disciples to eat even though it was the Sabbath. In this, he showed us how we miss the intent of the law when we focus on obeying outdated and stringent rules instead of living in love. He summed up “all the law and the prophets” by giving us the two greatest commandments: Love God. Love one another.
Jesus seems to be showing me that it isn’t about rule keeping but about the love intended by the rules.
So when we live in love and humble service to others, whether as individuals or as partners, we are honoring and loving God, too. When we hurt one another, or when we are unkind or unloving, we are being sinful. This is true for all of us, no matter our orientation or gender.
I hope you are encouraged today.
This letter is to simply let you know that I am one of many who are with you and support you. I hope you know and experience this God who loves you completely, too. I hope you don’t let the way religion has distorted God to ever keep you from experiencing God’s true love and work in your life. God has made you beautifully and God wants to help you, love you, and fill you with all joy and hope.
I hope you feel a little less alone today. Please know how much you are loved by God- and by those of us who wish we would have spoken sooner.
Your Friend,
Karen 🙂
*A book I recently found very helpful and encouraging is Torn, by Justin Lee.
To Add One More Voice
Wednesday
At Grace-Calvary, a parish with both gay and lesbian members, I grew increasingly weary of arguing over what Paul and the author of Leviticus may or may not have meant in half a dozen passages written a couple of thousand years ago while I watched living human beings wince at the vitriol they heard from those who said they worshiped God. ¹
This. This is why I had to resign as the volunteer coordinator at St. John UMC. Even as I know that one day the Methodist Church will find a way to include the LGTBQ+ people in ministry and marriage, even as I know the dear pastor, staff, and many members of St. John would welcome this decision, even as I know it is only a matter of time until beautifully diverse people will be included in all aspects of the church, I could not bear one more session of the angry, short-sighted, and judgmental words I would hear about people dear to me, from people dear to me.
Earlier this year, I had attended a few informational sessions about the United Methodist General Conference vote on whether or not to fully include LGTBQ+ people in ministry and marriage. The discussions were very similar to the ones I endured when Lutherans voted to welcome and include everyone over ten years ago- and then my church began taking steps to leave the ELCA. Those painful memories came flooding back…
My heart would break a little more each time people openly debated the worthiness of my son and other beloved ones. I wondered why church members felt the need to “pray that the Spirit will really move next time” when I felt that the Spirit already had. I winced inside when I was told that I was overlooking my son’s sinfulness. At one point, I heard one of the church leaders worry aloud that “if we allow gay marriage, soon people will be allowed to marry their dogs.” I heard the “God didn’t create Adam and Steve” example way too often. So I soon resigned from my beloved youth ministry to help Jim at his church.
As much as I would have liked to stay and help work toward full inclusion at the United Methodist Church, I knew I would hear these same discussions all over again. I am sad and weary of this. I am more than ready to be sharing God’s love and serving with everyone instead of arguing about who is good enough to do so.
It is my passionate hope that one day EVERYONE, regardless of orientation or gender, will be included and embraced as equals, allowed to marry and to serve as God calls them to do. But I know this can be a volatile subject, and there are strong feelings on either side, so I don’t write these blogs expecting to change opinions. Growth in understanding takes so much more than a blog or a meme or a bumper sticker. Understanding takes open hearts, earnest conversations, life experiences, and spaces to listen with mutual respect.
But today I write because, as the mom of a gay son, I hear privately and confidentially from many other moms and LGTBQ+ friends who feel as I do- but who are afraid to openly speak or share. They (and I) have remained silent out of fear for their sons, daughters, or themselves, especially for their careers and safety. Today I write so that this silence is diminished, at least by one voice. Today I write to share my own personal journey- because if my path is similar to another traveler’s path, I hope we can serve as companions for one another.
Today I write because real change takes many voices. As more people become brave enough or surrounded enough to share their stories, we will feel less alone, we will feel more empowered, and we will make a greater impact- together. I hope that the good people of St. John will find the courage to speak for those who are silently fearful or hurting when the discussions begin again.
My journey has been a rich one (see Tuesdays’ blog, One Mom’s Journey to Joy). God changed my heart through my experiences with my dear son and so many other loved ones who are gay or lesbian. God changed my heart through my daughter, a psychologist who often counsels hurting gay and transgender youth. God changed my heart through my other daughter, a pastor whose church has genuinely embraced several transgender young adults.
I know that not everyone has had the journey I have had, so I understand when people are reluctant to be inclusive or might not have the passion for this particular issue. But as my son reminded me, “This is the second ministry you have surrendered because of this issue. You have sacrificed so much for this hope in your heart, and you have the right to speak of it.”
And so today I add one more voice. Mine.
Thank you for reading.
¹ Taylor, Barbara Brown. (2006) Leaving Church. New York, NY: HarperCollins. (page 108)
(Some of you may be wondering why I, a life-long Lutheran, would have joined the United Methodist Church in the first place. When Jim and I first moved to West Virginia, we began looking for a new church home. We attended St. John and were very impressed by the pastor and worship service. I immediately asked Pr. Michael what the UMC stance was on LGTBQ+ inclusion. With the honesty and integrity I so respect in him, he replied that although he feels the same as we do, he would continue to honor what the UMC church policies are. But he assured me that a vote would be coming in the next year. I naïvely assumed the vote would easily pass- and that all people would soon be included in the United Methodist Church…)
Photo taken by Karen
One Mom’s Journey to Joy
Tuesday
When my children were little, I was trying to do everything I could to live as a faithful Christian, to raise my family to love and serve God, and to keep our “nuclear” family together as the integral part of our country’s goodness and Christianity’s strength. I read every letter from Dr. Dobson of Focus on the Family that affirmed that the family was the strength of the nation and one of the strongest indicators of Christian living. Part of the “Moral Majority,” I felt a sense of pride in all that I was doing to ensure that my family would be a faithful, strong family unit.
When my son was about three or four, I began to wonder if he was different from other boys. He has two older sisters, so I expected that he would behave much differently from them–but he was the same in many ways. His dad and I must have sensed this, because we would guide him into activities “for boys.” For example, in preschool, our son wanted to take dancing lessons. He DID have the affinity and ability to dance! But his dad and I suggested he play tee ball instead. His sadness and lack of interest brought his tee ball season to an abrupt end.
I don’t know if other people were beginning to wonder, but several times I heard the suggestion that doting or coddling mothers caused their sons to be gay. At first I questioned if I might be too loving, but fortunately, I could not diminish the way I love my son and daughters. Love is as natural and as unstoppable as breathing.
Then, one evening a few years later–after hearing her dad and I say that homosexuality was wrong–our daughter, who about 12 at the time, asked the very insightful question, “What if God told you that being straight was wrong?” Her question really unsettled me! But, trying to be a good role model, I actually replied, “I guess it would gross me out, but I would then try to love someone of the same gender.” After all, I had to be unwavering in my obedience to God for the good of my family…
Oh my.
Her question and the incredible absurdity of my answer were very eye-opening and heart-opening for me.
Also, along the way, God began to reveal other insights that were heart changing. I made dear friends who are gay or lesbian. I began as a youth director in a church where the youth group was diverse, welcoming and accepting of all. I learned of the discoveries about orientation coming from genetics and other factors, which made it apparent that orientation is not simply a choice. In God’s perfect grace, I was led to a new understanding and acceptance of the variety of sexual orientations.
So, when one of my youth members confided in me that she was lesbian, I could honestly assure her that God loves her, I love her, God made her beautifully, and nothing would ever change because of this. My son heard me say this, which finally gave him the courage to tell me that he too, was gay. I had suspected for some time, and I am so thankful that God opened the way for him to tell me his truth.
That night as I lay in bed, I grieved two things. They seem so trivial to me now, but the first was the loss of my traditional family dreams of dancing with him at his wedding and being Grandma to his children. The second was my concern that people were going to blame me for the way he “turned out” because his dad and I had divorced; we no longer had that perfect “Focus on the Family” family I had tried to maintain.
(On a side note, I recently learned that there are studies that indicate a hormone surge in my body while I was pregnant could have contributed to his orientation, too. So, I may be responsible- for any number of reasons!)
But had I been aware of the heartaches he was facing, I would have been devastated. Sadly, I later learned that he had told his sister nearly a year earlier but had been afraid to come out to me. I learned that his years in junior and senior high school were tough at times, as students and former friends reacted badly. Instead, he chose to sing and laugh with me on the way to school each morning. To this day, he has never told me of his experiences. He wants to save me from additional anger and heartache.
My son has always been and is now an incredible, compassionate, spiritual, brilliant, humorous, and inspirational person. He is joyfully married to a wonderful man, whom we love as our own artistic, sensitive, wise, and kind son. He is working on his PhD and is looking for new ways to help those with disabilities. I could write pages of all the ways he has blessed me and our family, and maybe I will one day.
Through my son’s life and my experiences, I have come to know the expansive, universal love of God. I have been surprised by the greater joy found in releasing our plans or expectations. I have learned that family is so much more than blood and biology; family is the precious bond that God graciously creates with each person we have been given to love. I eventually married Jim, and together we now have the joy of loving six children and five beautiful grandchildren, all God-given to us through births, marriages, adoptions, and foster care!
I have learned that what others might think of me isn’t as important as what God thinks of me, and God loves me (and all of us) unconditionally. I have learned that sometimes what we believe is best isn’t really the best thing at all. I have learned that if am responsible in any way for my son’s orientation, I can now see that as a gift–because he is incredible. All of him.
I thank God for this life, for my beautiful and incredible family, and for all the ways God’s joy is SO much better than my limited mindset and traditional expectations.
Thank you, God.
(Photo by Karen)
Close to Home
Monday
Whenever we read of the times when Jesus healed, fed or helped someone, we often read phrases such as: they brought to Him many… many followed Him… He saw a large crowd and felt compassion… they touched (the fringe of his coat)… they laid them down at His feet… they came came to Him in the temple. Jesus helped those who came close. He could not help everyone, but he helped the ones that came to him or were brought to him in a variety of ways, in a variety of settings.
Each day we are shown any number of needs in the world. We are told of the problems when we watch the news or look at social media. We see the troubles when we are out in our communities. We hear of the issues in conversations. As individuals, we cannot possibly solve all the problems we encounter. But when certain troubles come “close to home,” whether they are struggles that our loved ones are enduring, or a problem we encounter for ourselves, or an issue that especially touches our hearts, we feel more compelled to take action and do what we can to help!
What if the challenges that have come close to home are actually invitations from God, asking us to help? We know that God does not create problems, but what if God touches our hearts- makes us aware of the nearness and dearness of certain troubles- as our personal call to be God’s hands in the world? I cannot help but wonder how much good we could do if each of us tried to alleviate or heal the problems that are closest to our homes and hearts, doing what we can for those issues that deeply affect our souls.
For me, a trouble that has come close to home- and so has become one of my greatest concerns- is for LGTBQ+ justice and equality. I was being transformed throughout my life, but when my son came out to me, I became passionate to make a difference. The mistreatment, inequalities, and exclusions of my son and other dear ones have moved me to be more vocal and active, to work for their good- and ours.
In recent months these issues have come “close to home” for me again. For that reason, this week I will be sharing daily thoughts about my journey and new perspectives, encouragement for those who are on this same journey, and my faith and trust in the God who loves us all. I hope you will be blessed.
(If you know of others who might benefit from reading words of encouragement and support this week, please share my blog with them. Thank you!)
(Photo by Karen)
For This One Moment
Monday Moment, June 24th
Jim and I eagerly anticipated our two-day getaway this week! He had reserved a secluded cabin overlooking the beautiful hills and forests of Logan County. We looked forward to hiking and exploring Hocking Hills State Park, along with reading, writing and reflecting on the porch at our quiet cabin in the woods.
As the week approached we saw that the weather was not going to cooperate. Several days of rain leading up to our vacation left saturated and muddy hiking trails. Additional rain and storms were on their way to accompany us during our stay. Not to be discouraged, we decided we would make our trip more of the meditative retreat in the cabin if we were unable to hike the park. We would simply enjoy our solitude time on the porch, listening to the sounds of nature or maybe even relishing the sheer silence surrounding us.
And so we headed north with journals, books, games, coffee, and high spirits. Winding our way around back roads and up steep rocky paths, we finally made it to our cabin, unloaded our belongings, and settled into our new home. Happily, I opened the slider to the porch and stepped outside to hear the sounds of the forest.
What I heard was the constant, droning sound of a septic tank aerator. The noise overwhelmed the gentle sounds of birdsong, raindrops, and breezes among the trees. Jim called the cabin owner for suggestions but was told that the aerator could not be stopped. Needless to say we were upset and frustrated. All of our plans were being undone.
But the rains seemed to be holding off, so we headed back to the Park to try a few of the shorter trails. We first tried the trail at Conkle’s Hollow and found our path muddy but negotiable. As we hiked along, we were quite astonished to come upon such beautiful sights! Trees and ferns were a rich, verdant green after being washed in the rain. Moss glistened on the boulders and trees. Everything was lush and full.
Walking further down the path, Jim was the first to spot this sight…
We stopped in our tracks and stood silently before the waterfall cross. Eyes moist, I turned to him and whispered, “This is why we are here.”
For this one moment, everything about our trip was worth it. For this one moment, all of our aggravations were released. For this one moment, my grateful, astonished heart knew that we were standing on holy ground. We would never forget the blessing of this time. If nothing else blessed us on this trip, this was enough. This was so much more than enough!
Exuberant, we went on to hike two more muddy trails and found that the rains from the previous days had created more awesome waterfalls! Our previous visits had been later in the season and many of the falls were diminished or non-existent from the dry months. On this day they were gushing and gorgeous. Because of these “aggravating” spring rains, we saw such glorious sights.
As we stood before Cedar Falls, I thanked God for this special day and all of its surprises. I recognized one more blessing, too. In these bonus years since my cancer, I have become less anxious about the number of my remaining days while becoming more grateful for the present moments before me. And the more I notice these moments and name them as gifts, even my ordinary moments become sacred and holy.
Just for this one moment, I get to stand on holy ground… and it’s ALL holy ground. This is enough. This is more than enough. Thank you, God.
(Photos taken by Karen. The cross was formed by water flowing along a fallen tree trunk and sunlight breaking through to reflect on the rock ledge.)
Helpers Along the Way
Monday Moment, June 17th
I was walking in my favorite neighborhood one morning when I spotted a nail in the road. I picked it up so that it wouldn’t puncture a tire the next time someone drove by. But as I kept walking, I found many more nails strewn all over the road! That morning I plucked about 30 nails from the street, and over the next week I would find a few more here and there.
Did someone intentionally scatter these nails, hoping to create a nuisance? Or did a box of nails fall off a truck at some time? Either way, I figured that if I spent time cleaning up the nails, I would lose about 15 minutes, but I could save up to 30 people from having a flat tire, at least 90 hours of delays and repairs for these 30 people, and about $3000 in total costs for 30 new tires or repairs. I smiled to consider the ripple effect of one small act- all of these potential blessings for 15 minutes of my time. (My apologies to those in tire sales though!)
For many of the problems or troubles in our world, we have not been the instigators. Nor will we be the solvers. We are not the ones who have scattered the nails, intentionally or accidentally. We are not the ones who can prevent culprits from further mischief or future accidents from happening. The problems began without us and will not end with us. We long to make the world a better place, but these realities can make our efforts seem insignificant and even futile at times.
What can we do? We can be the helpers along the way. When we come upon a problem or discover trouble, we can do what we can to lessen its impact. We might not be able to prevent messes, but we can help with clean up. We might not be able to stop the hurt but we can comfort others and relieve their pain. We might not be able to obstruct every injustice but we can stand with the oppressed and share our strength. We might not put an end to poverty but we can provide food for one family.
We are called to simply do what we can but also to do all we can. Our small actions may make a greater difference than we can imagine. We may never know the ripple effects of our small acts of kindness, but those blessed in the ripples will. We might not stop all the problems of the world, but we can certainly be the helpers along the way.
Simply Soul Searching 