Thinking about the earthquake

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 I wonder how dramatic it would have to be before the news of it superceded the long, long tennis match in England.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.

A year for 50th's

Today marks my parents' 77th wedding anniversary. Weren't they cute?
I miss you, Marguerite and Earl.

Since I last wrote, I attended my 50th high school class reunion in Elk Rapids. I hadn't been to one since '95. It was a real joy. Of the original 39 in our class, with 5 already in heaven, there were 25 in attendance, plus lots of spouses.

I noticed that any "need" to prove something to one another seems to be gone. And I noticed a true mixing, people not limiting themselves to the ones they always knew best. Sometimes I wish I could move back home.

Soon I will participate with my only sister in her 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Many family members will be together, a rarity anymore. It should be a most joyful time!

The years pass by, both slowly and rapidly. Time really has so little meaning--much less than we think. The seasons circle round and round; the earth circles round and round; life circles round and round.

And Jesus says, "Be not afraid." No matter how dire things seem for our planet, somehow I trust all shall be well.

Do you think I'll turn into a couch potato? Or maybe a rutabaga. Eeww, I hate rutabaga!! No, I think I'll be a zucinni. Whatever, I'm very grateful for a new couch and area rug, sitting on top of newly cleaned carpet.

Today I am sending a proposal to Spiritual Directors International to do a workshop at their conference in Boston next spring. It's about being a non-anxious presence in situations of crisis, fear, confusion, trauma. It brings back memories of the role of chaplain as that presence--someone who stays calm, cares but doesn't fall apart, thinks somewhat clearly, seems capable of making the impossible possible to bear. And I am also reminded, with deep gratitude, of those who have played that role for me, especially when Norris was dying. Who knows how it happens, but I suspect a deep prayerful connection with God is a key factor. Attended to day after day, that relationship gives us capabilities at such moments far beyond what we think is possible.

Gratitude is the word for this beautiful day! Blessings to you, dear reader. Breathe deeply, laugh heartily, look piercingly, love extravagantly!

Sometimes life just isn't fair!