Since yesterday there are three plants that have their first blooms opening. One is a dainty little variety of perennial geranium with delicate, tiny blue flowers. Two blossoms opened up this morning.
How many things do I miss every day simply because I'm not paying attention?
There are many Buddhist teachings on slowing down and being present for each moment. Christianity has its own proponents, chiefly Brother Lawrence. Born poor, he joined the Army in the 1630's and it was during this time that he began his personal spiritual journey recorded in the book The Practice of the Presence of God.
In seeing a barren tree in winter, waiting patiently for the hope of spring's abundance, he began to understand the extravagance of God's grace. He saw himself in the tree, almost dead, but waiting for a time when God would bring wholeness to his life. It was at that moment that it "first flashed in my soul the love of God" that would never leave him.
Sometime later an injury forced his retirement from the army, and after a stint as a footman, he entered the Carmelite monastery in Paris as Brother Lawrence. He was assigned to the monastery kitchen where he developed his rule of spirituality and work.
Brother Lawrence writes, "Men invent means and methods of coming at God's love. They learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God's presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him? It is not needful that we should have great things to do. . . We can do little things for God; I began to live as if there were no one save God and me in the world." Together, God and Brother Lawrence cooked meals, ran errands and scrubbed pots with an attitude of love.
As I sat on the porch this morning I thought about Brother Lawrence. I thought about how life and creation are so abundant and how important it is to quietly watch and listen for God to make even the tiniest things holy.
Wakefulness is the way to life.
The fool sleeps
As if already dead.
But the master is awake
And lives forever.
The masters watch.
They are clear.
How happy they are!
For they see that wakefulness is life.
How happy they are,
Following the path of the awakened.
With great perseverance
They meditate, seeking
Freedom and happiness.
– Buddhist teachings on being present and open to each moment
My prayer this morning? To open my soul and breathe the air of being present right now.
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