As I look out on our days and into my soul and try to make a way with so much turmoil and unknowing, an ancient Jewish saying from the Talmud comes to mind: “Every blade of grass has its own angel bending over it, whispering, “Grow, grow.”” I don’t know about you, but I long for some things to be like they were forever ago. I also long for some things to be different as I and we move forward. Honestly, I am finding it hard to see possibility.
I find some hope in these words by mythologist and storyteller Michael Meade in his book, Why the World Doesn’t End: Tales of Renewal in Times of Loss:
Even in times of chaos the soul instinctively seeks to awaken and grow the original design that it carried to life. When truly oriented from within, our choices become more meaningful, even if they are limited by outer circumstances. If we remain in touch with the inner spark and light of the soul, our experiences can become revelatory and our responses more spontaneous and life enhancing… At certain times in the course of life, we must wander amongst the paradoxes and feel our way along by an inner Braille and a willingness to stumble and fall into the truth of things.
In this Sunday’s gospel, hope comes to life in things unexpected.* Jesus invites us to a deeper level of trust and assurance that God is always up to something good. It is God’s nature. And this is our nature too, which is always waiting and wanting to be discovered. Inherent in all creation is eternal wisdom and the divine instinct to grow into the fullness of life. In every human heart the Spirit whispers I AM here, see, we can do this together.
Not knowing is a good place to start—humbly admitting our poverty. Be patient. Expect the inpouring of grace from unexpected places. Listen for the ancient hymn sung by new voices. Explore the caverns of your soul. The great Creation story is inviting us to join in writing the next chapter in the forever unfolding of God’s love.
-Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
