Finding Holy Ground

Finding Holy Ground

 I walked by the Odd Fellows Hall on Henry street yesterday, and I found myself thinking: ‘I wonder where the Even Fellows get together, and whether they’d be at odds with the Odd Fellows or whether they’d all actually be striving for the same things?’

Here in Prescott, there are so many beautiful buildings that house faith and community groups, and I watch sincere people going in and out – their purpose being to find God and to get some direction and support amidst all of the turmoil that life throws at us; and to share with others the joy that fills us when happy and exciting things come into our lives.  Each of these institutions is striving to contribute hope and help to the people that congregate there - and to reach out to help the broader community in need.

Further along on my walk, I looked around and there was my creative muse reaching for my arm.  She had been paying attention to the view as well, and as I welcomed her to speak up, the following was her take – or give, on my thoughts:

 

I’ve paused on a roadside

            In the absence of sound,
            And felt God’s presence,
            Perfect, profound;
            In that moment of peace,
            Respect, Holy ground.           
            Whether we worship
            ‘Neath steeple or dome,
            A star-studded sky,
            Or a space all our own,
            Love is the mortar
            That builds up God’s home.

On life’s walk, we take baby steps toward a Father who is absolutely in love with us: He puts out His arms and beckons us to take our first steps, then another and another as he encourages us, picks us up when we falter, and praises our efforts, until at the end of our journey, we reach holy ground  – We let go and jump into His embrace.
 

“This is what God asks of you:  To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

Off With Her Hat!

 

Life is a highway,

Crossing hills and streams,

But it’s often on a detour

That we realize our dreams.

 

On the highway, there is loud noise, fast decisions to be made, and frustration at slow or reckless drivers - so much impatience for the sake of a one-to-five minute interval of time, saved or lost.  We are all fellow travelers on life's highway, each in need of and deserving of, a hearty dose of  B.O.D. (benefit of the doubt).

Lately, my head has been longing for quiet drives down beautiful country roads and lanes, where nothing is asked but just to let go, throw off the hat and to slow down and breathe. 

 ‘Take me home, country roads, to the place I belong'.   John Denver has been gone 15 years but I find myself right back where I belong every time I turn on his music and listen to his thoughtful lyrics.  Many times it's the stereo in my head playing, and that amazing sound system doesn't drain any power source; it just seems to replace negatives and add positive charges - How good is that?!  (love this 'Jane expression'!)

So, when one of  life's detours off of its busy highway comes along, the delay  may initially be frustrating but, given time, we may hear its voice speaking or singing in a calm reassuring manner:  ‘Why not have a look around since we’re now committed to each other?’

A highway is not always the surest, and certainly not the most peaceful way to a destination - and we occasionally need to follow our heart's GPS: perhaps a trip down a beautiful old side road is actually the route we were looking for all along.  As I fly (make that flutter) along on life’s bi-ways, letting my hat fly off,  that cool, peaceful breeze of tolerance feels wonderfully refreshing!