Between Rest and Growth
In the parable of the fig tree, the vineyard manager asked to have a year to feed and water the fig tree in the hopes that it would bare fruit and not have to be cut down.
Nurturing a tree is pretty straight forward. Nurturing our spiritual life is not so easy; at least it isn’t for me. I learned about meditation and yoga when I was young but for me, they just didn’t work. My mind wouldn’t still and if it did, I fell asleep. Then I accidentally came across a method that worked did work. In the mid 1970’s everyone I knew was taking up running to get fit. Not wanting to miss out I decided to join the trend. My first attempt was disastrous. I got down the block and across the street and I was exhausted. I had no idea how out of shape I was. But not wanting to admit defeat I kept at it. Slowly my endurance increased, but the pain continued and it wasn’t fun.
Then one day, after about ten minutes, a transition happened that surprised and delighted me. All of a sudden, the pain stopped and I felt my legs running but I was somehow detached. My mind cleared and I started to notice my surroundings and the beauty of the day. It was so powerful that to this day I remember exactly where I was. It is at times like that that I have no doubt that there is a God. I felt gratitude just to be alive and out in nature. This feeling only lasted until I started to get tired and the reality of running returned me to earth. I continued to run for more than thirty years and, almost every time, I experienced that euphoric feeling and was assured that there is a God.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for those moments of clarity when we are aware of your presence in our lives. Amen
Bobbi Bird