Mystery.
Life is not completely any one thing. Life is aspects of variety: tangible 3D stuff paired with intangible, illusive, unexplainable mystery.
Some are uncomfortable with the unknown, the Mystery. They fear that which is unexplainable with their senses, denying existence.
Others are completely bored with the rational, concrete, clearly defined and confined.
I think life is in between.
That’s where I want to live and work. In between. Being respectful of both sides and yet living in the tension between the two extremes. I think that is where I meet with God the best. In between.
I love to walk barefoot on the shore. Not the loose sand beyond the reach of repeated pounding waves but the vulnerable and exposed two times a day shore of low tide. It’s saturated sand is cold packed yet soft; if you stand still you start to settle into it like slow moving quicksand. Along the shore of low tide are the hidden from view finds: sea glass and heart shaped rocks that are my treasures.
Walking in silence, listening to the call of birds, the lapping of waves before the turn of the tide, gives my heart freedom to speak from deep to deep. I see the vast gray blue of the water in early light and see the connection of tangible and intangible. God is vast as the sea is vast.
The metaphors come with each new wave along the shore. The gifts from the sea are His love gifts to me; treasures I seek in time spent alone with Him, walking in His creation, crying, laughing, sighing, reflecting. Alert to His whispers, listening deep, listening long.
The rhythm of the waves lapping as the tide changes gives me a connection; my internal rhythm starts to keep pace with the ebb and flow of the waves. Without looking I know when to step out of the way of an incoming wave threatening to wet my bare feet.
I don’t mind getting wet, but the listening trains my movement, my dance along the shore with Him.
The cool of the sand that never sees enough light to dry is somehow comforting to my steps. I stop to gaze at the collection of tumbled items and my feet start to settle into the sand saturated by ocean left behind; it oozes up between my toes. The rocks and shells mixed together make finding gifts a challenge. Another metaphor emerges: treasures from Him must be sought, sifting through the distractions, softening the gaze to see past the myriad of clutter to find the one piece of sustenance to take away from the shore, the reminder of His love. A piece of glass, the uniquely heart- shaped rock are the tangible treasures that speak of the Mystery that is relationship with the One Who created all things.
What’s one thing that helps you connect with The Mystery?
