Window Cleaning

The two homes sat side by side, each with a front-row view of the sea. In the morning, each basked in the same captivating sunrise. In the evening, each had a glimpse of the same colorful sunset. But the houses were not the same, or, I should say, those who lived in them were not the same.

One was meticulous about his house. He kept the paint fresh, shudders secure, and cleaned the windows every day. The other preferred to enjoy his home and let the house take care of itself. In time, paint pealed, shudders loosened, and windows became caked with salt.  It got so bad that he could barely see the waves of the sea or clouds in the sky. Nothing outside had changed; it was the same beautiful ocean and glorious sky, he just couldn’t see them like his neighbor.

* * *

Sitting at a table during a spiritual retreat, I looked longingly at those around me. They seemed to have a relationship with God that was vibrant and electric. In what they said and how they worshipped, it was as if they knew God personally - like they could see and hear him clearly. I, on the other hand, have always felt like I knew God at a distance. It was as if I was given only glimpses and faint whispers. Rather than celebrate what my neighbors had, I resented what I didn’t.

Then I realized that God was no closer to them than to me. He was just as mighty, just as concerned, just as loving. The problem was that those around me had maintained their homes. They’d kept their paint fresh, shudders secure and, most important, windows clean. When the film came and blurred the view, they got rags and Windex out and removed the film. They didn’t do this once, but on an on-going basis. They awakened early, read scripture, prayed and meditated, and did the tough soul-searching that identifies all kinds of salty film.

The work is tiring, and I’m sure they’re often tempted to sit back and enjoy whatever view they have, but they’ve learned the view gets lost if one sits back and does nothing. So, they stay busy.

It’s time for me to follow their example.

Signals

Signals

I can’t tell you how many times I have put “Improve my relationship with God” on my list of hopes for the new year. I have searched for the latest devotional, bought the newest book, and even set up the most intimate meditation space in my home, as if I could somehow manufacture the relationship. Rarely has any of it had lasting effect. Like so many new year intentions, my efforts felt like duties, obligations, and, I hate to say it, burdens. As you might imagine, they never lasted.

Recently, a friend gave me a completely new way of looking at things, and I want to try and share it with you in a way that might help you on your spiritual journey. Instead of beginning with devotionals, books, or disciplines, she suggested I focus on the “god within.” By that she didn’t mean I was somehow God, but there’s a part of God within me and I should focus on that part, nurture it, and let it come out and “play,” (my words not hers). That’s how the relationship deepens and grows. It’s already there; we just need to use what’s been given.

It's like God sends signals out into the world like a radio station, she said. We have built-in antennae to receive the signals (an antenna installed by the creator) and when we use it, we feel a stirring within and ideas come out of the blue. Of course, we have a choice to listen and act on that signal or not, but when we respond to what we receive, our hearts swell and we feel a connection not only to the world around us but the one who created it all. Like ET’s heart light at the end of his finger, that God-part of us lights up when the connection between the sender and receiver is made. You can feel it when you go search for someone who’s lost, say something encouraging to someone who’s struggling, or forgive someone who’s messed up. (So, too, you can feel it dim when you say or do something unkind, dishonest, or think only of yourself.)

Things like devotionals, books, church, and times of meditation and prayer are the ways we keep our antennae tuned to the right station, but they do not provide the signal. They improve our ability to receive the signal that’s always been there. The bible says we’re created in God’s image. I think it’s referring to the God part that dwells within us. It’s what connects us to God. It’s what leads us to say and do (and don’t say and don’t do) things that look and sound like God. The connection is remarkable and indescribable. 

If we listen and respond, our relationship with God improves in ways no resolution can manufacture, no outside source can provide. All we have to do is use what we have already been given.

2024: A Year to Write About.

It had been a particularly hard year for her, the kind where on some days putting one foot in front of the other was a heroic accomplishment. She made it, and yet she felt out of breath as she put the Christmas decorations away. Slowly, her thoughts went from the year ending to the one about to begin, and she came up with a wonderful idea I want to pass along to you.

She decided to write herself a letter and place it in the box with the Christmas tree ornaments, a letter with all her hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Next year when she opens the box, she’ll have a “conversation” with her younger self and see what hopes and dreams came true. My guess is there will be some accomplishments as well as some disappointments, some predictable things as well as some surprises.

Although my year has not been as hard as hers, the idea of writing such a letter and putting it away until next December is intriguing. Not only does it demand intentional thought about the year ahead, it also allows me to see all that God does in my life in a year.

Unlike the woman who told me about her spiritual idea, I don’t have as many years ahead as I do behind. Time has become more precious, doing things that matter has become increasingly important. Looking ahead and dreaming is a wonderful way to spend my first day of the year. Then, I need to fold up the letter and get on with the year ahead. There will never be another year like it, nor will I ever be as young and able as I am right now.

Time to get writing. Then, time to get living.

Happy New Year!