There was a combination of things, but as the fireworks started, I ended up with a young daughter in my lap trying to hide. She was shaking with fear. All I did was hold her. I knew nothing I said, or did would change the fear. She just needed the sense of safety and security. When have you known fear - the shake you to your core kind? When have you felt vulnerable? What helped you, what held you in those moments? Maybe the question is who helped you, and held you? Was a God a part of that holding? |
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Creative energy - it sustains us in times of long term difficulty, it's the first the go in short term illness - and not just physical either.
I am looking forward to picking up the camera again, and seeing what there is to photograph - letting the world captivate me, as I see what can be captured in an image - just like these beautiful surprises beside the road. . . .
I know the former spark and vibrancy can never be recaptured. The people need to rediscover it for themselves. As I watched, I wondered about so much. As I wondered, I lamented for the heartbreak that exists in such a beautiful and treasured place. I lamented for the vibrancy now gone, and the story and songs now quieted. I lamented a balanda's place in the lostness. I lament what may yet happen with the people there. I quietly hope as I lament . . . . perhaps God, they will find their heart and soul again.
A good friend and colleague is mourned by many at her dying. She was too young, she had been too sick for too long. It was not fair. She had impacted the lives of so many children and young people. And so we cry, we remember, and we laugh. And God invites us to keep getting up, to rise above with hope. A good friend suffers as she finds a way after being deeply hurt by another in leadership. It is not fair that no ownership of the suffering is taken, or acknowledged. It is not fair, that the deep hurt causes so much pain, and the other walks away without taking any responsibility. Yet God invites us to keep getting up, to rise above with hope and hold onto the hand that brings life, love and wholeness. A church embraces a new beginning with the handing over of a leadership role and we look for God at work amongst us in a new way. Cynicism, criticism that cuts, mistrust, it is all still there, but we are challenged by a gospel story of Zacchaeus to rise above the past, to take hold of Christ, and keep focussed on what God calls us into . . . Rise above, and keep rising above. . . . .
This week more than others, I treasure most being able to simply live, to be alive. There are too many around me who have been treasures to me, no longer able to share it with us. They did however have a strong faith. And I look forward to an even greater treasure because of who I believe God is, and how God has shown us love. Pure and simple love.
What's your treasure in life?
"But when I take photos I join in and play with God too." My lens becomes an instrument through which I dance, play and enjoy what God dances with, plays with and enjoys in the world around me. I wonder about your play spaces. . . .
One colour can be spectacular, a lone colour is isolated. But when there are multiple colours placed side by side . . . .
I sat in a congregation . . . . |
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