Soar

When a pelican rides the warm air plums rising from the sea; he soars. He glides effortlessly, his nature harmonious with his environment. His will surrendered to the invisible authority of the winds. His connection to the higher reality that governs life is strengthen by each thermal rise of air. He has no need of self propulsion. He simply tunes himself to the frequency of the sea breeze and finds peace in the releasing of self.

This same release has been offered to us but for some reason we struggle to accept the invisible authority. We exhaustively flap our wings. Afraid to rely on what we cannot fully comprehend. Even when we attempt to accept the Spirit as guide and council we struggle to relax into his glory. We drudge through rationality and rely on logic. Why?

When our spirit soars within the unity of God’s glory, the gospel is proclaimed. It can not help, but to be seen. Our joy is found in God and his glory is declared to the world. Our purpose complete, we experience life abundant and Jesus smiles.

Hope

If you cut the neck off a sun warmed squash you will find the most delightful little ring of beaded sweat, oozing out into the world, as if glistening or glimmering its story of hope. Hope of what I am not sure, but hope is the right word.

You see, from a seed a plant grows. Then magically, squash fills the void formed in each blossom. Rain from heaven falls and nourishes the swelling fruit under a canopy of giant green sails.

Then a man with a blade decapitates the purity of creation to fuel himself.

But – hope’s song continues - as the juice that originated from the heavens springs forth. These little droplets of translucent fluid whisper a mystery that although we sometimes overlook - yells, screams, even dies to be noticed.

When you are cut, when your soul and spirit divide, I pray the fountains of living water that flow within you spring forth, for there is great mystery in your story.

Your story of hope that originates from the heavens.

Melodies

“Adventure in the pursuit of the obvious.” G. K. Chesterton - “Orthodoxy”

This thought details my ramblings more than any I’ve seen recently. The above sentiment concludes a quite eloquent dialog concerning discovery of truth through reason; along with the natural urgings to elaborate extraordinary truths to the point of fantasy or the unreal. In his book "Orthodoxy" Chesterton takes his audience to the practical beauty found in the discovery of everyday truths. He suggests, “Discover that the rhinoceros does exist and then take pleasure in the fact that he looks as if he didn’t.” G.K. Chesterton.

Chesterton’s sentiments echo, or more correctly, proceed the thoughts of Annie Dillard in her book, “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek”.

Summing up the reflections offered concerning a couple wonderfully told stories of life Dillard leaves the reader with, “The answer must be, I think, that beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them. The least we can do is try to be there.”

The above authors confer that life in its simplicity is a marvelous gift from God. Why search for the fantastic when the tangible offers such wonder. Indulge in common pleasures and then laugh at the fact so many fail to see the irony.

Nature inspires me and I find blessing in the fact that the creator orchestrates moments just for my personal digestion. I say personal because I am alone when these things occur. If no one else is there and beauty abounds it must logically be concluded that the beauty was indeed created for me. What an awesome thing to realize personal interaction with God himself.

A few days back, I was privileged to be witness to a bird’s first flight. I was taking in all the flavors of the morning horizon when a little bird came fluttering down into my view. The canopy of oaks above me must have been his nursery of security but for today he had made the choice to jump out into the world. After a frightful free fall the small bird hovered over the surface of the water, briefly, then plunged his feet and at least one third of his body into the wet. At this moment was when I realized the awkwardness of a maiden voyage. I was about to be privy to this birds struggle and triumph.

The bird feverishly flapped his wings attempting a maneuver that appeared to be virgin at best. But at last, he was able to recover and begin his ascent into the morning sky. His little wings paddling the breeze at film flicker speed. A most magnificent sight.

Then punctuation, applause, celebration, filled the air by the belch of a blow horn from down stream. A large barge had let go of an impressive amount of sound at the precise moment the little bird gained confidence into flight as if God was confirming life with an "Amen". Emotion welled up within me as I had been a part.

God allowed me to commune but for a time with him, the bird, and the excitement of first steps - or flight for this matter - successful accomplishment that when appreciated became a melody to whistle when mind-set worsens. When life darkens I will hold on to these tunes I learned and know that “God Is” whether or not I am aware or present enough to know his love.

This morning Mattie climbed into my lap and asked me to read her a book. We sat at the feet of her closet and found joy with each other as we read through a prayer book about all the beauty God has made; all the wonder that he allows us to participate in. I love my daughter and I melt into puddles when she leans in tenderly to give her daddy a kiss. Precious love found in one another that bonds us together - but at the same time bringing us into unity with our Father God.

My family never fails to inspire me and bless me with their “quite common” breaths of life.

I find that God’s Love is all around us, we simply have to open our eyes, ears, hearts and allow his grace to infiltrate our story so that we may become a part of his.

There are folks that attempt to bridge the waters of the Divine as if to answer questions larger that the bridge itself and there are those who simply enjoy to float on the surface, enjoy the sea air, the sun, the breeze, the call of the seagull. - Take time to taste the feast that has been offered. Take time to enjoy the simple truths. The answers to the big ones will come when the "Big One" himself decides, no earlier.

Water

The imagery of water flows throughout the scriptures. In Isaiah 55, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters,” we find God inviting us into the refreshment of life which echoes in Jesus’ calling, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:37-38) also in John 4:14) “Indeed, the water I give will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life”.

This allegory involving water cools the lips that burn for spiritual insight. You see, God – Jesus – Spirit is offering us water…

Have you ever noticed water?

Have you ever played with a water hose on a sizzling summer day? Have you ever pressed your thumb firmly down spewing droplets of refreshment high into the air that sparkle the sun and glisten newly birthed foliage? Have you ever allowed the cylinder shaped current of fluid to pour over your skin – your hair – your body? Have you ever witnessed saturation plunge from your fingertips piercing the wind only to explode upon impact into thousands of wee lakes?

Have you ever fallen to your knees, lifted your hands, and allowed torrential sheets of glory to wipe the mud from your face?

Have you ever split the silken surface of a lake as you dive immersed – your body warmth plummeting – your swim smooth and crisp?

Have you ever enjoyed the sensation of near frozen water flow over your tongue down your throat and around the lining of your belly?

Have you ever noticed water?

It’s everywhere – in everything – and vital to life abundant. It is full of beauty. It is full of God.

I pray we all swim in -

The river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb… (Revelation 22:1)

Journey

“Take up your cross and follow me.” - Jesus

“Faith runs on tiptoe to keep pace with the advancing light. Until we know the program of our risen Lord for all the years to come we can never know everything He meant when He invited us to follow Him.” - A. W. Tozer

Faith is a fluid response to our relationship with God. He continues his calling as we continue our answer. The more we reflect the triune God in our life, the more the triune God shines back his love upon us. Not as reward, but as unity. He sees his Son, he sees Spirit, he allows unity.

Time demands process. Follow and the process continues. Love grows.