“… open the fist of your spirit…”
Frederick Buechner
Laying down arms. Unclenching fists. Opening palms.
Breathe in; breathe out. Rhythmic release.
In the predawn, early morning hours, I hear:
the undercurrent ‘Om’ of tree frogs;
the distant hum of traffic;
the currents of wind breathing through the trees.
Breathe in. Breathe out. A rhythm, a resonance of release.
“Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”
(by Katharine von Schlegel)
Paul: I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace… Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:1-3, 31-32 NIV)
I’m grateful for this reminder, this commission. It helps me prepare to face the day ahead. So then grant me the awareness, the patience, the compassion to make every effort to keep the unity through the bond of peace. Give me the listening ears and the open heart to simply be present; the courage to set aside self-focus, and the concentration to set my eyes, ears, and heart on others instead. Be with me as I bear with others, but help me leave their trials to your tender care.
Grateful for your Holy, healing name, I pray.
