Acceptance Sun, 21st April, 2013
This past week has been one filled with images of water. The most obvious connection is that we were blessed with several days of life-giving rain. This gift of water made it impossible for me to enjoy my trail runs in the forest, sending me to the east end of Forest Park. Though I had been there many times, I had never been in the frame of mind to truly appreciate the abundance of water that flows there. Water leads to more water.
A friend reminded me that this is what's left of the River Des Peres, now reshaped into the tranquil pools and gently flowing streams we enjoy today in the park. Appropriately, the water is a magnet for waterfowl, including ducks, geese, herons and egrets, all of which I observed with quiet reverence during my morning outings.
Last week was also one that, for me, was filled with metaphorical water images. Water, among other things, represents the power of adaptation. When it flows, it is an ever-changing journey. When it is still, it is the very essence of peaceful reflection.
Water reminds us that we, too, will have periods of torrential flow and urgent purpose, followed by periods of stillness and introspection. My period of reflection in recent days, and the resolution of troubled relationships, has left me this morning with a satisfying sense of acceptance and deep peace.
Having reconnected with my mother more deeply in recent days, her Christian faith reminded me of the classic favorite from the ancient Hebrew scripture, the 23rd Psalm. I'll share my version of it here, reflecting my own more nature-based theology and also a special message to certain people in my life, both in my family and in my faith community, who yearn for the deep peace that comes from loving acceptance of our differences.
Let love be my protector; I need nothing more.
You invite me to sit quietly in the soft green grass,
You lead me beside the still waters.
You restore my soul:
You show me the way of understanding and acceptance, for it is the path to peace.
Even when I must walk through darkness, when the path is uncertain, you, spirit of love, conquer my fear.
Painful words of truth, and the hope of reconciliation, comfort me.
You, O love, pour out rich blessing on me for all to see;
You sanctify me and call me your disciple; my heart overflows.
May generosity and compassion follow me all the days of my life,
and may I live in the house of love forever.
Amen
This past week has been one filled with images of water. The most obvious connection is that we were blessed with several days of life-giving rain. This gift of water made it impossible for me to enjoy my trail runs in the forest, sending me to the east end of Forest Park. Though I had been there many times, I had never been in the frame of mind to truly appreciate the abundance of water that flows there. Water leads to more water.
A friend reminded me that this is what's left of the River Des Peres, now reshaped into the tranquil pools and gently flowing streams we enjoy today in the park. Appropriately, the water is a magnet for waterfowl, including ducks, geese, herons and egrets, all of which I observed with quiet reverence during my morning outings.
Last week was also one that, for me, was filled with metaphorical water images. Water, among other things, represents the power of adaptation. When it flows, it is an ever-changing journey. When it is still, it is the very essence of peaceful reflection.
Water reminds us that we, too, will have periods of torrential flow and urgent purpose, followed by periods of stillness and introspection. My period of reflection in recent days, and the resolution of troubled relationships, has left me this morning with a satisfying sense of acceptance and deep peace.
Having reconnected with my mother more deeply in recent days, her Christian faith reminded me of the classic favorite from the ancient Hebrew scripture, the 23rd Psalm. I'll share my version of it here, reflecting my own more nature-based theology and also a special message to certain people in my life, both in my family and in my faith community, who yearn for the deep peace that comes from loving acceptance of our differences.
Let love be my protector; I need nothing more.
You invite me to sit quietly in the soft green grass,
You lead me beside the still waters.
You restore my soul:
You show me the way of understanding and acceptance, for it is the path to peace.
Even when I must walk through darkness, when the path is uncertain, you, spirit of love, conquer my fear.
Painful words of truth, and the hope of reconciliation, comfort me.
You, O love, pour out rich blessing on me for all to see;
You sanctify me and call me your disciple; my heart overflows.
May generosity and compassion follow me all the days of my life,
and may I live in the house of love forever.
Amen
