If only . . . it hadn’t happened.
Today, I wake up grieved by Wednesday’s violence in our nation’s capitol—only to be further dismayed by the media’s name-calling in the guise of news.
When epic troubles escalate, how do we resist the downward spiral of resignation? How do we nurture fresh reasons to hope?
Earlier this week I splurged on a pot of hyacinth bulbs. Buds closed tightly as raised fists lined three fleshy stalks.
This morning, bloom after star-like bloom perfumes the house.
When bulbs are responsibly “forced,”
the wild, greening wellsprings
that infuse creation
surge upward and outward: Now,
marvel transfuses my spirit, triggers
awe, releases a whiff of poetry.
My outlook shifts,
from grainy, film noir desolation
to hi-def, hyper-spectrum joy—each stem
redolent with modest glories. It reminds me
we’re all fiercely loved
by One who makes all things beautiful
in their time—even when growing entails
unspeakable suffering.
For God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
So, I am scouting evidence of order. Implicit design. Metaphor and deeper meaning.
I am seeking Love quietly lavished in merciful ways around me so that I might go and do likewise.
It’s a plan, albeit a small one . . .
If I do say so myself.
What’s rekindling your experience of beauty? Truth? Humor?
This “IF” quotation made me laugh:
“If I could go to dinner with one person, dead or alive, I think I would choose alive.” — B. J. Novak
You might also enjoy: Hai*Pho — No, it’s not a new entree . . .
I know I have told you this before but your music is my “go to” for comfort and never fails to encourage me , Your reflections challenge me, especially this week when I wonder about this world. Mostly I fear the division, even among Christians and think about the “end times” where families will be against each other and how we seem to have failed to pass on our faith to the next generation. But, you encourage me to look at how even nature reveals a foretaste of a redeemed new Earth. Hyacinths still bloom when riots destroy. Thank You, Laurie
Dear Ruth, I am grateful the music continues to comfort and encourage you. I understand the fear. And it seems to have so many tentacles! I spend more time than ever alternately fretting then praying—especially in the wee hours.
Last month my pastor, Eric Peterson, offered these wise words: “Starve the fear; Serve the joy.” I keep the quote on a post-it affixed to my monitor and return to it again and again throughout the day.
I also read this helpful thought today, about lament:
“I learned that lament didn’t need to be transformed—lament itself was an integral part of genuine trust and worship.”
(Vaneetha Risner).
You might like a book by Mark Vroegop called “Deep Mercy. Dark Lament” and I would be pleased to gift you with a copy
Ruth, that is so generous. I gladly accept, thank you!
I meant Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy
You are already an experienced metaphor- and meaning-hunter, Laurie! I will follow behind you and seek to learn from your example. Finding order and design is a bit easier, and you’re right: disciplining our eyes and attention in these directions will surely ease our pain and discouragement over recent events. Praise God, the Creator of Order and Design, is still in control.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your confidence in God’s loving oversight, Nancy. As a young believer, years ago, I learned a song: Phil 4:8, set to music. Perhaps, you’ve sung it, too? “Whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is lovely and worthy of praise … let your mind dwell on these things …” Recalling these words — even as I stay abreast of the news — helps me sustain a measure of peace and emotional equilibrium amid all the chaos. I have so much to learn about prayer, so much to learn about loving God and this world entrusted to us!
Thank you so much Laurie! So thankful the Lord led me to open my email the day you’d sent a new post!?
On Wednesday I was sent a breathtakingly beautiful picture, forwarded by a friend off of a monastic sisters’ website. It is of Mary, a look of sweet compassion and radiant hope on her smiling face, cupping the face of a bitterly grieving, hopeless Eve.
In turn, Eve cups the piece of bitten-into forbidden fruit.
Their other hands, together, hold Mary’s large pregnant belly.
Down Eve’s leg coils a huge serpent (not unlike the green mambas we get in our yard in Tanzania actually!) but underneath Mary’s bare foot the head of the serpent is crushed.
It took my breath away!
And then Jeremy turned on the news. And while the horrific events unfolded over the next several hours, I kept returning to that image. And I found myself looking up the monastic sisters’ website, and discovering they are famous for their candy making!? and ordering prints of the image and why not? some of their dark chocolate covered caramels as well- despite the news continuing to drone on, breaking my heart in the background. No- because of it.
I shared the link with close friends (Judy Potter being one?) and commented that it must have been my way of coping with the insanity of the moment.
But it was more- thank you for giving me the words to see that. I was scouting for deeper meaning, for beauty, for joy & strength, “seeking Love quietly lavished in merciful ways around me so that I might go and do likewise.”
Here is the website, may it be a powerfully bright spot in your day as well.?☀️❤️
https://www.monasterycandy.com/
Jenell, how beautiful and heartening it is to read about your actions amid the chaos of that day—and the quietly sacred intention toward light and life directing you. I am so encouraged.
AND . . . I am on my way to this delectable website you’ve shared . . . Thank you!
Ah Laurie, if only you could lavish these Words of Life upon our congress, et al! Of such is the Kingdom of God . . . too far and perhaps too near for their bleary seeing!
Let us pray that some unlikely Grace will appear before them–unto us each and all–tight-fisted buds ready to burst into bloom. TRUTH, the fragrance of HIS being, flourishing, seasoning the putrid air, reclaiming us. You are a harbinger of peace.
Judith, I am captured and encouraged by your words for “some unlikely Grace [to] appear” and am joining you in that prayer. Thank you for giving me fresh words, dear friend.
Awww, thanks for the positivity, so needed.
Patti, you are so welcome. And thank you for joining me. May Peace keep you company as the day unfolds.