"On One 'Little' Difference"

Forget setting aside a time for meditation, a time of peace and quiet for inner soul searching and pensive thought.  Just place me behind a lawn mower, cutting swaths of grass.  There is something about that rhythm, the back and forth motion.  Walking, walking, walking.  That is when and where I find my quiet place.

The coverage of another attack on innocents, this time in Copenhagen, Denmark had just been posted, and I had read about it.  These are happening so frequently that only the details of reporting are changed out—location, number of casualties, number of attackers. The "justification" of this one was anger directed toward one who had drawn caricatures of a religious prophet who lived several centuries ago and the purported requirement for vengeance. 

vengeance:  revenge taken for an insult, injury, or other wrong  Syn.:  reprisal, retaliation, retribution, revenge taken for an insult, injury, or other wrong  

It is estimated there are at least 4200 different religions in the world, a dozen of them classed as major religions.  Many of them are in direct contradiction to one another.  One of the things I have learned is that, as I want to be allowed to have my own beliefs and be given personal respect for those, I need to allow that for others as well and give that same respect.  While I might not agree with them, the individual worth of those who believe is no less than mine, and they have a right--yes, a right to believe and to live according to their personal dictates.  In fact, that is what my Father demands and expects--if you believe in it, stand in it, whatever that belief might be.  At the same time, be fully prepared to pay the consequences for rejection of light and truth, where and when that is applicable.   

And this is where my mind went as I mowed--back and forth, back and forth:  When the One whom I follow is ridiculed, made light of, or even despised and discounted, I bristle.  It is not taken personally so I cannot say I am offended, but it does bother me.  However, I do feel each and every person must answer for their own actions, their own lives, and in that sense it has nothing to do with me.  Would I stand in my own faith and defend that within myself?  Most certainly, but taking up arms on behalf of my Father is not my response to criticism directed at Him and is not something He asks of me.

And thus I ended up here: There are many differences between my faith and the faith of those intent on reprisal for perceived wrongs.  Moreover, there is one obvious difference between the two of us.  These feel they must defend the one they follow, that they must personally wage war and fight battles on his behalf;  I, on the other hand, take my Father at His word: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” 

It is not for me to deem those people or those situations which require recompense.   Were I to do that I would be taking matters into my own hands, putting myself in the position of being both judge and jury, a state God does not look upon kindly.    He is quite capable of taking care of Himself.  I do not have to, nor can I, fight His battles for Him.  

Let me see--Which is the better method of retribution, the one with only physical weapons at hand, the other with all the resources of the Creator?  Which is more effective?  To me, the answer is obvious.

Not a "little" difference at all, but a major one.

"Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine.  I will repay,' says the Lord."       

"On Clarity"

 clarity:  n. The state, or measure of being clear, either in appearance, thought, or style.

 

The action was an impulsive one, the results of which I find I am reveling in, not only today but probably for some time to come.

It’s that time of the year. Gardening season is in full swing. Sunny days and blue skies announce the advent of Spring. With it comes the sunshine. Sunlight poring through my windows expose their obvious dirty state.

The grime could not be ignored, though I wasn’t trying to. My gardening business occupies most of my time and energy. Washing windows has not been a priority on my to-do list.

The window in my front bedroom/office is right beside my computer. It is the one I view my mornings through. The scenes range from a blanket of fog to breathtaking sunrises.

Today, I find myself looking out the window and feeling pleased. I can see clearly. Yesterday, that was not the case.

The day had been planned, more-or-less. I should have been getting ready to head out to either mow a lawn or weed a garden for my clients. Instead, I found myself, without even giving it a thought, taking the grimy blinds down. I filled the bathtub with hot, soapy water and plunked them in to soak. I felt I couldn’t do much to damage them, and improvement was a reasonable possibility.

I grabbed a bottle of spray cleaner, an old toothbrush, and some Q-tips to scrub out window tracks. A squeegee, rags, and a bucket of water were added to the cleaning arsenal as I began what felt like an attack mode.

The filth of both window and blinds had bothered me for some time, so the aggressive action felt good.  I scrubbed and washed the window on the inside and tackled the frames and tracks too. The scene was much improved, but I still needed to deal with the exterior.

It was time to begin my gardening workday, but I determined to deal with the screens and the outside when I returned. And I did!

First, I removed the screens. That enabled me to easily clean the windows. I scrubbed the screens with a soapy brush, then rinsed them with the hose. After I put the clean screens back on, the task was completed.

Back inside, I put the clean, rinsed blinds in place. By then, it was dark out. I was unable to view the results of my efforts.

This morning I find myself looking out the window--not for what I might see--but because I am able to see.

Clarity comes to mind. That is what was restored when the dirt and grime were removed from my window. There was nothing wrong with the windowpane. However, the residue clouded it so much I was unable to see clearly through it.

Often, much of our mind, lives, and inner vision are in that same state. Layer upon layer of debris accumulates--so much so our insight is impaired, resulting in confusion. We wonder why we are taken by surprise when current situations affect us, many times spring boarding from earlier experiences. You know how it is—stuff happens, and we just collect garbage, not because we want to, but because we’re unable to get rid of it. And yes, that does affect the quality of the life we live in the here and now.

I am all for thorough cleaning, not only on the outer, but in the inner. Thankfully, my Heavenly Father is proficient when it comes to bringing about clarity.

Many years ago He told me, “There is a better way.” It isn't a right way vs. a wrong way. But a better way.

So, if you are in a place where you cannot deny a lot of muck and junk is affecting your life and clouding your ability to have clear insight, it might be a hint a thorough washing is in order.

Living one’s life in clarity is a better way to live. However, it is not something we can achieve ourselves. Come before Him in honesty and sincerity. He is able, capable…and willing.

 

 

"On Seeing"

see:  to perceive or detect with the eyes; to view, observe, behold; to witness or observe     by personal experience.

It happened with a pair of socks, while I was folding laundry.   I had paired two socks and, as I reached for a second pair, realized neither pair matched.  I had looked at them, the colors shouted a mismatch, but I did not see the obvious.   

Have you ever had an experience where you looked, but you didn’t see?  It's not that it wasn’t there, right in front of you, “as plain as the nose on your face,” my mother would say, but somehow it did not compute in your mind.  How many times have your eyes passed over an object of search, perhaps a set of keys or that rogue tennis shoe your child needed to head off to school, that important piece of paper you had put in a special place for safekeeping?  It seems if we are looking we should see, but that isn’t always so. 

And so those socks sent my mind to places of consideration and thought, that of seeing....or not. 

There is physical sight and there is spiritual sight.  I instinctively think of inner vision, that awareness or knowledge that is separate from the eyes with which we view our material world.  There are some who call such having an epiphany or revelation, an "aha!" moment; others would apply the description  “getting it." 

For me, to see is to understand without words; to have knowledge of, to have a grasp of concepts, truths, and precepts which have not been heard with physical ears.  Those things I see are within my being, not visible to any other man, yet they are solid and real, often life-changing. 

And this is what I see--now isn't that an adroit application of the word?: Each one of us falls into two categories at varying times in our lives.  The first is that of not seeing what others see; the second is that of seeing what others do not.

There are those times in our lives when we are blinded--to the severity of our circumstances, the seriousness of the state we are in, the dire straits of our behaviors, actions, and attitudes, to ourselves.  The resulting course of life shouts "disaster" as we head towards a cliff, but we continue on, because we don't see.  Those around may observe and attempt to call attention and focus, but as a wise friend has said, "If you don't see, you don't see."

The second category is where we are the ones who have the sight, with clear vision of another's state and situation.  And this is where a person can bump into a huge problem, if one isn't careful--that of judgment.

It can be easy to assume that if things are obvious to me then my friend, neighbor, teacher, spouse, child--you get the point--should be able to discern those problem-causing areas as well.  The trap of pointing a finger, harshly judging and criticizing sits at the door, and we can readily fall into it.  Surely these people we love and care for cannot help but see those things which are crystal clear to us.  "Don't you see yourself?," we want to shout.  Not necessarily.  "If you don't see, you don't see." 

Just as there have been many times in my life when I didn't see myself, so it is for others.  There is always the consideration that when I see what another cannot it is so I can take that person before my Father, what some would call prayer.  Isn't that what caring for one another is about?  Standing in support and understanding rather than judging? 

Seeing, inner vision and sight, is a gift.  Often it comes in the form of a mirror, and we are unable to escape the truth.  Never take a single offering or revelation lightly; hold on to each one.  They are given to bring about change within, growth, maturity, and development.  No man can ever take them away from you.  And be careful lest you judge others for things that are not clear to them, for things they do not see.

And when I do see, that is when I can no longer plead ignorance or denial; I am then without excuse.  When I have been shown the truth of myself, when I see, then I am held accountable.  I am responsible.


"I see," said the blind man.

"Buy from Me medicine to put on your eyes so you can truly see."

   

"On Meanderings and Progressive Dinners"

In all probability, I am dating myself when I speak of progressive dinners. They have been around for a while, but perhaps they have gone by the wayside, along with the turning over of outhouses on Halloween.   

The term "progressive dinner" is self-explanatory.  A large group of people can share a meal and an evening of socializing without the entire burden of entertaining falling upon one host/hostess.  The meal begins at one home with appetizers and continues to the next with, perhaps, soup and salad.  The menu is as simple or as complex as those who plan it wish it to be.  The main course is at yet another home, and the evening ends with dessert at a final destination.

My mind was in that state yesterday, roaming from one place to another.  Often, these writings take form and shape while I am working, with the consideration "What is the point?"  In all honesty, I couldn’t come up with one, and so I went from one place to another, changing not only physical but mental scenery as I cleaned.

“I think I’m spending too much time on Facebook.”  That was the conclusion I came to as I thought of my involvement with that social media in recent days.  I feel that each person has the right to his/her own point of view, and my perspective is simply that--mine.  However, three times this past week, I just had to open my mouth and spout off, disregarding a daughter's admonition to "Just don't make comments, Mom!"

A post of a well-known televangelist had been shared.  Generally, I don’t read them, but read I did.  I responded by commenting I disagreed, and I laid out my thoughts.  Yet again, a second post which stated how important it is to not do things which might cause personal unhappiness while making others happy had me jumping up and down. “You have got to be kidding!," I ranted.  "Since when is my happiness or unhappiness the standard, the gauge of how I live my life?  How happy do you think Christ was at the Last Supper with His disciples, or in the Garden of Gethsemane, or as His body was being nailed to a cross?”  Life with God does not revolve around my personal comfort.

The third time was the result of a post regarding ISIS, the terrorist group wreaking havoc and misery around the world.  All varieties of opinions were expressed, and God got drug into the argument.  “There is no logic in God,” said one, “when there are 4000 other gods.”  Busy fingers here—“The logic is that one God is living, 4000 gods are dead.”

"I am either becoming very bold or 'plumb dumb'," I thought.    

The wandering continued.  As I began mopping the floors, my thoughts were in yet another place.  I thought of prayer and religion.  There  are some who believe that, with the burning of incense or candles, prayers ascend to one who can answer; others send their offerings into the air with chants, songs, and repetitious motions.  “That makes as much sense as spitting into the wind to put out a fire,” I thought.  I differ in that my prayers are conversations, one on one, with my Father. 

On to the next "course."  Periodically, I find myself examining my life and the way I live my life.  Yesterday was one of those times.  One of my pet peeves, in addition to barking dogs, is the person who has words—lots and lots of words, with no substance to back them up.  I am particularly reviled when they are spoken "in the name of God."  For me, it is sickeningly worsened when monetary gain is made from those words.  That, I feel, is the ultimate in taking advantage of those who are in need, and is the base of my reaction against the religious televangelist. 

At any rate, I need to be concerned with myself and with my life, and so in these times I stand quietly.  “Please change those things within me that need to be changed.”  

The meanderings continued just like a progressive dinner.  The thoughts were like the courses, settled in a single place and completely enjoyed before moving on to another.  And this is what I decided:  No, I don’t have a particular point for this writing and, as with a progressive dinner, I did not end up where I started, but I certainly ended up filled and satisfied.