Weave and Sew Dust

See

See--I have been captivated by this word lately.This morning I am noticing the light on the window screen. Where there is an obstruction, the gentle light is completely blocked; it does not impose itself.

Light:how so like God; Blockage: how so like us.--musings of an anam cara (soul friend)

Sadness and Joy

Sadness and Joy. I have been contemplating these two emotions for the last few months with the dying and death of my mother and the joy of my paintings. The November issue of NC Catholics had an article by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, in which he states, "Henri Nouwen writes that our life is a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment."

The clarity of the intimacy of these two partners of emotion came into focus for me yesterday at Raleigh's Moore Square area. The homeless in our town can get food Monday through Friday at various shelters. But, on the weekends, there is no food for these men, women, and children without the work of ministries like the Moore Square Ministry, which is run by parishioners from three Catholic churches who take alternate Saturdays.

The palpable sadness of those standing in line waiting patiently for the the street "kitchen" to open was juxtaposed on the joyful hearts of those who felt called to help the homeless with hot food and bag lunches. It wasn't the joy of abundant laughter, although in the interactions with the homeless there was a bit of levity. Rather, it was the joy of helping a brother and sister dressed in the guise of homelessness by being able to provide from one's own abundance. Even that dichotomy was nuanced a little more as those with joy felt the sadness, the desolation, of homelessness and those who were homeless experienced the joy, the consolation, in another's compassion for their situation (as well as some much needed food for their hunger).

As I walked back to my car that was parked a block away, I was struck with two additional images. While many of the homeless had found seats on the nearby stone walls in the park to dine al fresco, I saw other diners eating al fresco at an upscale cafe and well-heeled patrons entering a busy, popular restaurant. Each and every person carrying their own joy and sadness, only some with a lot more sadness than joy. 

All under God's roof--on two blocks--in one town--sadness and joy kissed.    --musings of an anam cara 

The Clutter of Our Lives

I love this quote by Joan Chittister from her book, Illuminated Life, "To be contemplative we must remove the clutter of our lives, surround ourselves with beauty, and consciously, relentlessly, persistently give it away until the tiny world for which we are responsible begins to reflect the raw beauty that is God." Spoken like a true Benedictine.

Funny thing about some kinds of clutter though, I find it to be the stuff of life --life with God on a daily basis. For instance--the wonderful clutter of houseguests, toys spilled out on the living room floor when grandchildren come to play, stacks of beloved books, art supplies spread on the coffee table, a pile of fragrant laundry covering the bed, a kitchen containing an avid cook--surely God is present here in raw beauty, too. --musings of an anam cara. 

On Soul and Soles

As I was sitting here barefoot in my small study, I became aware of how sensitive the bottom of my feet are to the rough-textured rug they rest on. In the winter I pull out a small sheepskin rug to keep my toes toasty. I like being barefoot, must come from living in Florida for so many years. Anyway, I got to thinking how our souls are sensitive too, just like the soles of our feet. And I wonder if we neglect the care of our souls more often than we neglect the care of our feet. Because like our feet, our souls need spiritual nourishment, cleansing, exercise, and rest.

It is a sad personal world when a body forgets its own soul--musings of an anam cara.

Brooks and Rocks

I live in a subdivision named "Brookhaven." True to its name, we have a tiny brook on the far western perimeter of our property. The water here has to travel over a rocky bed on its way to the larger Crabtree Creek. A bit like life, which is not always a smooth journey.When I encounter the "rocks" in my life, it helps for me to remember this quote from an unknown author:

"The bubbling brook would lose its song if you removed the rocks."---musings from an anam cara.

Winged Wonder at Lake Johnson

On the day God created butterflies, color took wing. . .musings of an anam cara 

I missed it!

It's spring here in the Tarheel State and I have taken up the new habit of taking a clockwise walk around my house everyday to see all the new flowers shouting, "I'm so pretty!" And they are! In a North Carolina spring,there is nothing as lovely as an abundant bed of sweet azalea blossoms sashaying in the breeze. The Monarch butterflies are also circling as well as fat bumblebees.

Right next to my dining room door is a tin watering can on its side. We have observed birds building nests in the can and giving life to the next generation. This year, I missed it. The nest is there but the birds have already gone. It's a reminder to me to be more observant, more in the present moment. There are miracles of life all around--so many blessings!

Wishing you eyes that see this lovely spring in all its glory--musings of an  anam cara

A world without words

I read a very thought-provoking quote the other day. It was from a book called, Gifts of the Spirit, by Philip Zaleski and Paul Kaufman.The quote read as follows:

"Imagine a world stripped of words and you arrive at Hell: a world without communication, without exchange, without love."

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In the beginning was the Word. . . Gospel of John 1:1 

--musings of an anam cara

Discovering the wonder of sacred space

No, I don't mean a cathedral.

Have you ever thought about the sacred space you inhabit on a daily basis? Can you imagine what the world would be like if more people thought of their environment as sacred space instead of something at their disposal for consumption?  This is not a new philosophy. The American Indian held this view as do those of the Celtic tradition. To be in wonder is to be in awe.

We need to become a people more attuned to our everyday sacred space before we end up covering everything in concrete, or, as the song goes, "put up a parking lot."--musings of an anam cara

Celebrating the everyday

We seem to always celebrate the passages of life--birth of a baby, turning 21, single to married life-- and for those of us who have a religious faith, the observance of the doorways to a deeper spiritual life. Yet, everyday life goes basically unsung. I am writing a course now called "Making My Day a Biblical Pilgrimage," and I am finding it interesting how much there is to celebrate on a daily basis.

From waking up--"and then there was light" to bedtime-- "He makes me lie down in green pastures," the Bible is a very grassroots theology formed from the corporate memory of ordinary people who recognized an ordered, underlying structure to sometimes chaotic daily life. The inspired Old Testament writers were acutely aware of a loving Presence who had many names yet preferred to remain an almost silent partner.

Celebrating the everyday experiences of life (such as bathing, preparing meals, and feeding my ancient mother) through moments of quiet contemplation has added a richness to my day . I find myself smiling, knowing that I am on sacred ground.

Hope you recognize this sacred ground too--musings of an anam cara