Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
12. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY FROM MARVELING
Friday, December 20th
The more I learn to see that God’s presence is with us in everything, I increasingly find all of creation as sacred and divine. God’s presence is revealed in Jesus, in Spirit/Christ, and in one another. God’s presence is also revealed in the intricate miracle of new life, the beauty and wisdom of nature, the abundant and precious earth, and the mysterious majesty of the infinite universe. When I take the time to notice and marvel at God’s generous, creative goodness, I feel an inner joy rising within.
The author Sue Monk Kidd shares this awareness of earthly spirituality: “We come to recognize the innate holiness of the earth, the sacred dwelling in nature, matter, and body. We understand these things are not only creations of the Divine, but manifestations of the Divine.”
When we pause to marvel at God’s goodness, God’s creation, and God’s infinite love, we can regard our world and live our days with grateful joy.
Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty. ~ John Ruskin
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
~ Psalm 118:24
In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous. ~ Aristotle
For you shall go out in joy
and be led back in peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall burst into song,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
~ Isaiah 55:12
Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous. ~ Bill Moyers
For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror, but then we will see face to face.
Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:12
I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.
~ Gerry Spence
The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land.
~ Song of Solomon 2:12
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. ~ John 8:36
Too often we argue about Christianity instead of marveling at Jesus.
~ John Ortberg
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are humans that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
~ Psalm 8:3-4
Today, may we find many reasons to marvel, and to find our joy as we thank God for them all.
Photos by Karen
11. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY WITHIN HEARTACHE
Wednesday, December 18th
With all of the joys of the Advent and Christmas season, most every one of us will also have tender moments of heartache as we miss our dear ones who have gone on to eternal joy. We will hold an ache that is both sore and sweet, for our loss feels great because of the joy we once shared. We will fondly remember and treasure the joy-filled moments, but we will wish we could have more of those moments. In these bittersweet days, we might be comforted by these words from Helen Keller:
What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. ~ Helen Keller
Her words are so true. When I come across a photo of my cousin Sharon, I always smile–and sometimes chuckle–at the memories of her with my sister and me. I like to think that several qualities and quirks in my character come from my dad. As I age, I hold a vision of my gentle grandmother as I seek to become an elder of quiet wisdom. All the people who once brought such joy continue to do so as I remember and try to emulate them in some way.
During our worship service on Sunday, we sang The Lord’s Prayer, and I became emotional at the words, “for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.” My deepest joy is found in our faith that helps us see life as a continuum of eternity. The departed saints are with us still, in silent but profound ways. God, who is timeless has made all of creation to remain present and intertwined in some way forever. Joy arises when we can remember that there is only a thin wall between here and “just beyond here.”
And this eternal beyond is filled with joy. Our loved ones have been received with great joy… and one day, so will we. In this, we can feel such sweet comfort and joy even within our heartache.
GONE FROM MY SIGHT
Henry Van Dyke
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, “There, she is gone.”
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me — not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, “There, she is gone,”
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”
And that is dying…
(Photo by Karen, Bar Harbor, ME)
10. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY DESPITE IMPERFECTION
Monday, December 16th
We have all heard that the unexamined life is not worth living, but consider too that the unlived life is not worth examining. ~ Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way
In a recent podcast, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman shares the story of Gerald Hodges, a high school student and star athlete in several sports, who courageously abandoned his fear of failure to learn how to swim. When questioned why he would do this, especially with all the success he had elsewhere, Gerald replied, “I felt like if I couldn’t handle not being good at something, then how could I consider myself a successful person?” *
Gerald’s story can inspire us to consider trying something new–just for the joy of humbly learning or practicing something beyond our usual inclinations and capabilities. More than that, his story can inspire us to surrender any need for perfectionism. I tend to discount a new creative idea if I believe I wouldn’t be very good at it. And in her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron addresses the way this need for perfection hinders creators and creativity:
We opt for setting our limits at the point where we feel assured of success… Usually, when we say we can’t do something, what we mean is that we won’t do something unless we can guarantee we’ll do it perfectly… Very often a risk is worth taking simply for the sake of taking it. There is something enlivening about expanding our self-definition, and a risk does exactly that. 1
Beyond trying a new sport, hobby, or craft, this idea can be extended to simply living this life. We are all living these particular days for the first time. We are inexperienced at life; we will not handle our days perfectly, we will make mistakes as we keep learning, and we will think that we understand and manage life well, until life changes–and our “expertise” diminishes.
But the joy of Christ is meant for us through all of life. We can be unafraid to try something new, knowing that we will remain upheld and beloved. We can accept our imperfections while allowing God to instruct, correct, and guide us as we go. We can be alive with joy as we experience new and different things, as we live each day fully and abundantly, as we fumble and stumble along.
We can experience the joy of being perfectly loved throughout our imperfect lives.
*https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cultivating-connection-amidst-division/id1765227660?i=1000674983407
1. Cameron, Julia. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. Copyright 1992, 2002. Penguin Putnam Inc. (Pages 121, 123)
Photo by Karen; this is a special canvas, a gift from our son, on which I can “paint” with water (which eventually then dries back to the blank canvas). It’s a perfect way to practice my imperfect painting. On the easel is a print of a painting that was done by my dear dad, who was a talented watercolor artist.
9. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: JOY IN CHRIST
Sunday, December 15th
(For my spiritual practice in this week of Joy, I plan to sit and savor a refreshing glass of sparkling water or a mug of hot tea each afternoon.)
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b)
Perhaps we choose Christ because we see doing so as the right way. We want to do the right thing and be the right kind of people. What does Jesus want? Our joy. Our experience of an abundant, fulfilling life. Becoming better people is merely a byproduct of dwelling in the love of God. 1 ~ Vanita Hampton Wright
What a gift this is, what a relief it is, to know that Jesus wants us to have a life that is abundant and full of joy. So often, I get the order reversed. I desire to please and obey God so that I will receive God’s joy and mercy, when the reality is that God’s joy and mercy come to me first–so I then can live my life in joyful trust with God’s continuing guidance. My life of discipleship is a “byproduct of dwelling in the love of God.”
Jesus also invites us to experience joy with his invitation in John 16: “Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” In this topsy-turvy life, we are never left alone. We have God’s presence in Christ always with us, the presence that comforts, strengthens, guides, listens, and hears our every prayer.
We can even ask for joy itself. In his book, The Hidden Adventure, the late Tim Hansel shared a story about an 82-year-old pastor who struggled with painful skin cancer. After enduring fifteen operations, he was in chronic pain, and he was also embarrassed by the way his appearance had been scarred. One day, as he doubted Tim’s example of choosing joy despite his circumstances, he read in John 15:11 that joy is a gift from Christ: I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
“A gift!” he thought. He didn’t know what to do, so he got down on his knees. Then he didn’t know what to say, so he said, “Well then, Lord, give it to me.”
And suddenly, as he described it, this incredible hunk of joy came from heaven and landed on him.
“I was overwhelmed,” he wrote. “It was like the joy talked about in Peter, a ‘joy unspeakable and full of glory.’ ” And before he knew it, he was dancing around the house. 2
This week, may we keep the joy of Christ in our hearts, the joy we might have just for the asking.
1 Wright, Vanita Hampton. Small Simple Ways: An Ignatian Daybook for Healthy Spiritual Living. 2019 Loyola Press. (Page 147)
2 Hansel, Tim. The Hidden Adventure: The Remarkable Things Ordinary People Can Do When They Let God Use Them! Copyright (c) 1987, Guideposts Edition. (Originally published as Holy Sweat)
Photo by Karen
You might enjoy reading the rest of Tim Hansel’s excerpt:
He (the 82-year-old pastor) just had to get out. So much joy couldn’t stay cooped up. So he went out to the local fast-food restaurant and got a burger. A lady saw how happy he was, and asked, “How are you doing?”
He said, “Oh, I’m wonderful!”
“Is it your birthday?” she asked.
“No, honey, it’s better than that!”
“Your anniversary?“
“Better than that!”
“Well, what is it?” she asked excitedly.
“It’s the joy of Jesus. Do you know what I’m talking about?”
The lady shrugged and answered, “No, I have to work on Sundays.”
Isn’t that the way it is? We’ve limited the idea of an exciting Christianity to one day of the week! Yet this man was living proof that change can produce a joy that spreads out over all the days of our lives, and it can happen during any season or circumstance of life. (Page 59)
8. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE THROUGH DARKNESS
Friday, December 13th
One morning while journaling early in November, I had a sudden revelation: I am a different person now. Feelings of resignation and apathy overwhelmed me, as I questioned my usual ways of living, and as I wondered if I had made any good differences in the world. The moment was so powerful that I knew I had to withdraw and pay attention…
What has happened to my longtime sense of purpose? What usual ways of living or being do I need to surrender? What might God be calling me to do with this new awareness?
Feeling sad and unsettled, I pulled away from my normal routines and interactions. For a few weeks I read, journaled, prayed, walked, burned candles, left Facebook, and avoided news media. I was desperate to find a sense of peace, a way to quiet my soul, but darkness shadowed my days.
Then one quiet day I decided to have a small retreat. I began reading the book, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter (by Sue Monk Kidd) and journaling my thoughts. The author describes a time when she felt as if she was descending into a dark gorge as she, too, sensed a life-changing perspective and different, deeper purpose. Much of her story resonated with mine, but I was especially surprised to read these excerpts:
Descent is not about finding light but about going into the darkness and befriending it. If we remain there long enough, it takes on its own luminosity. It will reveal everything to us. (page 93)
There is deep wisdom in giving up the fight to make it go away… You are where you are. So be there… Just accept what is and be with it, really be with it, because when you do that, you are being in the moment, in the truth. You are being present as you live your life. (pages 96-97)
These words were exactly what I needed to hear and to hold. I am to stop struggling and searching for answers and instead, simply abide in this darkness and wait for illumination. I can look at this time of unknowing as a gift. The darkness is fertile ground, where new life is stirring within. I must be patient until the time is right, to rest and reflect until this new life is ready to sprout.
And with these new thoughts, the peace of Christ came over me.
If you are experiencing a similar darkness, I pray that you may be filled with the peace of Christ as you await its illumination.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2 (NRSVUE)
(Photo by Karen)
7. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE OVER ANGER
Wednesday, December 11th
I once believed that anger was wrong, a shortcoming from not having the inner peace of Christ. Most likely this stems from the ways we sometimes observe anger being exhibited in life. We see anger displayed through temper tantrums, hurtful words, bitter retaliations, silent rejections, and in some cases, violent revenge. Sadly, these angry outbursts only lead to more heartache, frustration, resentment, woundedness, regret, and even deep grief.
But we know that anger can also be righteous. The online Collins Dictionary defines anger as “the strong emotion that you feel when you think that someone has behaved in an unfair, cruel, or unacceptable way.” Our anger can be a sacred response whenever we witness or experience these wrongs, and it can serve as an initiating emotion that prompts us to correct what needs to be corrected.
In a recent podcast interview (on “Need a Lift” with Tim Shriver, link below), I heard helpful wisdom about anger from peace activist Aziz Abu Sarah:
“When I watch the news every day, I am as (angry) as many of you probably are. But it’s about what we do with that anger. Anger is like a nuclear power. It either leads to destruction or it leads to light and electricity, and it’s our choice.”
As followers of Christ, how might our anger become a source of radiant light or useful power?
My counselor once told me that yes, for every action there is a reaction, but there is a pause between the two. And what we do with that pause can make the better difference.
We can center ourselves in God before we begin our day.
We can counter a wrong by doing something right or good.
We can keep silence until we find the right words to say.
We can ask questions to clarify, to determine that we have understood correctly.
We can offer a word of reconciliation or understanding when appropriate.
We can be critical of issues and actions over personalities or appearances.
We can protest, speak, or challenge cruel and unacceptable acts and policies.
We can promote, speak, or foster ways to bring about kindness and goodness.
We can support agencies who work for justice and equality.
We can regard every person as a beloved child of God.
By shining with the light of Christ or serving with the power of Christ, we are sharing the peace of Christ.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/israeli-and-palestinian-peace-activists-share-how/id1765227660?i=1000671532297
Photo by Karen; I found this nativity creche at a fair-trade shop. For me, it conveys God giving us this holy family to bring our peace, as well as a sense of being held by Infinite Love.
6. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE BEYOND COMMOTION
Photo by Alex Block on Unsplash
Monday, December 9th
Some of my favorite posts on Instagram are the tender videos that show children coming on stage with their classmates, preparing to sing before a crowded auditorium. A few nervously scan the audience, searching for parents or other loved ones through the noise and commotion as people find their seats. When they finally find their people, their sweet faces light up with an immediate look of relief, and their precious, teary-eyed smiles warm my heart.
This Advent season, we may long for quiet spaces in which to prepare our hearts for Christ, but the commotion around us increases and even overwhelms at times. Traffic becomes heavier, marketplaces become busier and noisier. Our schedules may be filled with holiday parties, religious services, seasonal concerts, or other special events. News headlines and social media posts continue to take our attention. Difficult relationships can bring angst as we gather with family and friends. Extra commitments on top of our regular responsibilities can quickly take up every open space of time.
When we are surrounded by commotion, chaos, or clamor, we can be like the child on the stage; we can turn our focus to the steadfast One who meets our gaze. As we plan and prepare, we can pray to the One we most long to please. Through all the demands and distractions, we can be grateful for the One who is patient and gracious. When we feel overwhelmed with nervous anticipation or self-doubt, we can seek the One who is quietly present for us.
The One who is smiling with love, just waiting to hear us sing.
5. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: PEACE IN CHRIST
Sunday, December 8th
(As we reflect on our peace in Christ this week, I plan to allow for small pauses throughout my day to think of Jesus as my peaceful presence.)
This week, what does it mean for us to find our Peace in Christ?
We can find our peace in the life of Jesus, from his wise and faithful perspectives shown through every encounter, instruction, trial, and good work. His complete trust in God’s merciful and gracious love helped him to live the life he lived–to endure the things he endured–and so his words ring true. I find his words in the Beatitudes especially reassuring, giving us a sense of God’s peace for the challenges and experiences we have in our life of faith. That he is not preaching from a comfortable throne in a luxurious palace makes these assurances truly beautiful and trustworthy; he is speaking on a hillside, among the poor and outcast, living a humble life.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
(Matthew 5:1-12, NIV)
May we go in peace this week, remembering we are tenderly and dearly loved, trusting that God’s goodness will surround us to the very end.
4. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: HOPE WITH PERSEVERANCE
Friday, December 6th
“No matter how tall the mountain is, it cannot hide the sun.” (Chinese proverb)
When the angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus (in the biblical story of Luke), Mary could not know what the future would hold for her and her son. But she took the first faithful step—she answered the call to be part of God’s plan of hope for the world. Mary didn’t know how all this was going to work out, but she put her hope in God, who would be her help and guide throughout her life-long journey.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38 NIV)
Hope is more than passive waiting.
Hope is the obedient willingness to begin a journey without knowing where it will lead.
Hope is the timid courage to take the first step in faith.
Hope is the peaceful trust that we do not go alone.
Hope is the humble wisdom to check our location (are we on the right path?) and our direction (is our next step the better one?) as we continue onward.
Hope is the patient insight that we will need to rest, reflect, and recenter with our Guide at points along the way.
Our hope in Christ is not contingent on reaching desired destinations but in trusting the goodness of God. In our own calling to be part of God’s plan of hope for the world, life can be like an upward climb, with obstacles and challenges over difficult terrain. And yet, when we look to the top, the majestic vista beckons us on. We know the journey will be worth it, no matter how far we are able to climb, even if we cannot reach the summit. Because we know the Light will continue to shine; the Light that can never be fully hidden.
“In every winter’s heart there is a quivering spring, and behind the veil of each night there is a shining dawn.”
~ Khalil Gibran
(Photo by Karen)
3. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: HOPE AGAINST DESPAIR
“Heaven is a house with porch lights.” ~ Ray Bradbury
Wednesday, December 4th
This season, I know that many of us need the hope of God in Christ to lessen our feelings of despair.
As I reflected on my own despair, I found an enlightening post by Dr. Almut Furchert (Dr. phil., Dipl. Psych.), a German American scholar, practitioner, and writer (and more) who once lived behind the Iron Curtain. She explained how totalitarian systems of government are “built on the human capacity to despair. Arbitrary policies, raw displays of power, and flaunting of common courtesy are all designed to make us lose courage and hope. And frankly, in the face of the human condition today, the status quo of this world, it is easy to think there is nothing we can do.”1
Oh my… so creating despair can actually be a political strategy–and one we have certainly experienced in our recent U.S. election. Problems were exaggerated (and often untrue), fears were ignited, division was fueled, and blame was rampant. Now, as new threats and hateful words are boldly proclaimed, I begin to feel as if there is nothing I can do.
But I am gratefully encouraged by Dr. Furchert’s reminder from Søren Kierkegaard: “Create possibility, create possibility!… Then the desperate can breathe again…”
And possibility is Hope.
When we follow the ways of Jesus, we choose to live in defiance of all that comes against God’s love for the world. Our hope in Christ inspires new possibilities in ourselves and others. Our lives reflect a visible resistance to the wrongs before us, as every act of hope-filled kindness becomes an act of rebellion, every word of encouragement serves as a useful deterrent, and every reminder of steadfast goodness forms a quiet shield against the forces of despair–both within ourselves and in defense of others.
May our hope enable us to act courageously despite our fear. To walk calmly through the chaos. To speak openly for those who are silenced. To tend all of creation with spiritual wisdom. To help in ways where others refuse, for those whom others ignore. To “create possibility (so) the desperate can breathe again.”
To “turn our porch light on”… to shine through the darkness with love.
1 (4) Almut Furchert | Substack
(Photo by Karen)
Simply Soul Searching 