Mmmm. I like this. I just do. And I think it says something about resurrection:
It is eternity now. I am in the midst of it. It is about me in the sunshine; I am in it as the butterfly in the light-laden air. Nothing has to come; it is now. Now is eternity; now is the immortal life.
This poem expresses a theology that I both support and teach. Richard Jeffries poem definitely expresses it in a way that is upbeat and, like a balmy spiritual breeze. I wish I could feel that spiritual breeze, rather than just affirm my intellectual and theological support for what he has expressed so well and that is captured so beautifully in the artwork you chose. But I’ve been at this long enough to know there are many salespeople ready with spiritual recipes but we much each find our own path. It’s been a while since I felt the breeze. I wish I could feel it again - without having to buy into someone else's illusions of path to the divine mountain. But I’ve come to believe it is just not in me, not my destiny – at least not in this life.
ReplyDeleteAt least, however, this blog feels like a safe place to express such thoughts. I sense that others who come here often have now become accustomed to my idiosyncratic comments and tendency toward irreverence and simply accept that here is just an uncomfortable seeker of something that is akin to their own seeking, even if perhaps not as upbeat. ; ) Here I am relatively anonymous and do not fear that I might expose myself to those nearer to me who might find my open expression of spiritual vulnerabilities threatening and therefore feel the necessity of distancing themselves from me further. As it is I already feel that some tend to feel slightly uncomfortable with me. And, truth be told, it goes both ways. It is the rare person with whom I am truly comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you feel safe here, Tom. I could wish an experience of "the breeze" for you but, you're right: I have no recipes.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, most people who come here are, in their own way, somewhat off the beaten track. I don't serve up sweet, pious thoughts so folks who want that don't tend to stick around.
Also, for what it's worth: Thomas Merton once said that the only thing to remember about prayer is to begin where you are. Personally, I fall back on that one over and over.
Thomas Merton's was sound advice. I can't argue with the idea of starting where you are.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this...what a simple and beautiful reminder...
ReplyDelete"it is now".
annie c
Some days I feel I am too busy to come here and read this "blog." I am so wrong! This is wonderful, the saying or poem, and the wonderful remarks, discussions. I appreciate this very much.
ReplyDeleteI love Richard Jefferies.
ReplyDelete