Yesterday there was a moderate sized earthquake in Ontario, not that you'd know that by listening to American media outlets. I wonder how dramatic it would have to be before the news of it superceded the long, long tennis match in England.
Anyway, as Tessa and I walked the earth yesterday, in the vicinity of our home, I was thinking about the difference between surface and depth. Whether we're contemplating cosmic dimensions or human connections, there is often a huge difference, isn't there?
The earth appears perfectly placid, maybe a little wind and rain, but pretty peaceful. Yet down under, the earth needed to change positions--maybe she gets a bit uncomfortable at times. And so the surface shook, even here in Michigan. I live probably 500-600 miles from Ottawa, where my niece was picking up broken glass from pictures that fell off the walls. Though I didn't notice the motion, many in this area did and even as far away as Chicago. When Mother Earth's bulk changes position, we better be prepared to shake!!
In the kind of ministry I do, people often reveal the turmoil in their depths. Usually they are people who on the surface appear to be all together. I, too, give off that appearance much of the time. And so do you. Calm surface; deep inner pain, turmoil, guilt, doubt, confusion, fear--you name it. When I serve wine at Eucharist in my church, I am often in awe of the outer strength and self-possession of people whom I know are carrying tremendous burdens--physical, mental, emotional, spiritual burdens.
The reverse is also true. Think of the ocean or one of our beloved Great Lakes. The surface can be highly roiled by winds, yet deep within the waters, things are calm and unmovable. When life's storms have us flailing about, not sure how to get through the next 10 minutes, let alone the next 10 years, we can trust that somewhere deep within, our souls are OK and are pouring out energy and strength to keep us from capsizing. The Divine is residing within, loving us whether we notice it or not.
And speaking of water, please pray daily for the Gulf of Mexico and all who are involved in this catastrophe, human and otherwise. Our concentrated prayers in that direction can make a difference. That is what we are called to do. Prayer will assist in bringing both the surface and the depths into an integrated place of peace and healing.
And so, with loving thoughts of Canada and Canadians, I close this strange little reflection.
