Windows To The Spirit

I
value
truth all-ways.
To be true to
myself and others
brings me closer to my
best self, even with my flaws
and faults prominently displayed.
Being honest about them frees me
to live a fuller, more abundant life.

The
city
that never
sleeps surprised me.
Waiters were friendly.
Cab drivers were chatty.
Security guards were nice.
The train conductors were funny.
The rude ones met here were visitors
who failed to see the kindness of strangers.

I
do want
everything
to go my way.
No surprise outcomes.
Certain, predictable.
It is all about control.
But life is not predictable.
Vulnerable is to be alive.
Vulnerability is to let go.

One
after
another.
Nothing ever
easy.  A hard place
to be – the wilderness.
Vulnerable and afraid, yet,
keeping the faith and emerging
stronger, focused with new energy
to savor the journey along the way.

One
cannot
live by bread
alone.  The body,
plagued by desires
and worldly afflictions,
craves water for the spirit.
The answer is on our lips and
in our hearts.  Our thirst leads us onward
in faith to the land of milk and honey.

Pray
to God
in secret.
Conversations
one on one with God.
Weeping may spend the night
but joy comes in the morning.
There is a time for rejoicing
together with other followers.
But our time in secret is our real strength.

Close
your eyes.
It is dark.
It is quiet.
Hear your heart beating.
Feel your feet on the ground.
Find comfort in the stillness.
You are present in this moment.
But you are not alone.  God is here.
Open your eyes and heart to God’s presence.

Light,
stained glass,
shadows of
happier times
in this hallowed space.
Today in mourning for
one called by angels too soon.
Time is short to embrace the hearts
of those traveling the road with us.
Be swift to love and make haste to be kind.

In
parched
places lie
embers formed from
the dust of mortals,
in God’s world yet hidden
by layers of sin and pride.

 Pray with penitence in secret,
dying daily to the ways of self
to breathe in the Spirit that makes them glow.