| The ancients of Earth believed that the winds were produced by
the wings of birds, that spirits dwelt in the bubbling springs,
gushing fountains and raging torrents. Such imaginings serve a
purpose, they are sometimes reflections, sometimes a pre-echo of
spiritual significance. The creative, refreshing, fraternal and
romantic attitudes of the spirit inspired soul are expressed in
anticipation of a higher life. Throughout the universes there
are currents that can carry us upward and onward. For ships at sea
there are ocean currents, the wind and even the magnetic forces
that provide a consistently reliable compass heading. For other
kinds of channel surfers there is a variety of information carried
on radio waves. For the music lover there is sound energy
modulated by thought. And for the soaring enthusiast there are
rising thermals foiled against a finely crafted wing.
On Earth there is an old saying. "No bird can soar except by
outstretched wings." Similarly, to the person of debt laden
ingratitude, the prideful intellectual that is unwilling to
exercise wings of faith, there is no way to ride those spiritual
currents that would otherwise yield that uplifting spiritual
idealism and a depth of understanding that is replete.
Where worship looks to the One, the worshiper is inspired for
service to the many. A wing does not somehow produce lift in the
absence of air. It is one part in relation to the whole. In the
act of worship, the part identifies with the whole. It achieves a
trustworthy relationship with spiritual realities.
The inhabitants of Earth are under a sensory assault. For those
not comfortable with their own thoughts this barrage is often
self-imposed. But we are admonished to seek a quiet place and time
for worshipful meditation, to listen for that quiet voice. Thereby
becoming attuned to the divine leading.
We each have two ears and one mouth. Does that ratio suggest
something? When we were very young we often approached prayer as
if God were not a person but some sort of cosmic vending machine,
as though we were some sort of taskmaster and prayer was an
opportunity to upload our to-do-list. We would ask for a variety
of favors and then walk away when it was time for a response.
Prayer is not about getting our own way. It is about taking God's
way.
The universe has been compared to a garden and indeed it is. In
the nursery, saplings are watered at the same time each day, fed
on the same day each week. But at some point there is a weaning
and a hardening off. A randomizer may be introduced into the
weather program to simulate nature. Foliar feeding may be withheld
to promote root development. Other adversity may be called for in
the interest of the fledgling's ultimate survival.
The answer to prayer often involves watchful waiting. Though it
is sometimes disappointing and usually a matter of soul searching.
It is always an opportunity for discovery and growth.
As we venture forth in response to this divine leading we
become acutely aware that there is much more to our universe than
meets the eye, nose, ear, taste and touch. The universe is
vibrantly alive and it is friendly. There are synergies and
serendipity beyond our imagination.
Like a symphony, with wonderful movements of unfolding truth,
the universe is thematic. It tells a story; the story. It is
creative expression, with audience participation and it reveals
the greatest romance of all time. |
