Proof

"It is not the objective proof of God's existence that we want but the experience of God's presence. That is the miracle we are really after, and that is also, I think, the miracle that we really get." - Frederick Buechner

I couldn't have said this better myself. It's a far cry from the Christian Science paradigm, and it is what I now believe to be true. This is what I think is sometimes called, "the contemplative stance." There are many things that we can interpret as proof of God's love and presence. Just a few of them are: friends & family, nature, therapeutic touch and gifts of the spirit.

On Tuesday, I had the privilege of meeting Ann Lovejoy, a writer and an active member of the local community. A couple of our mutual friends suggested that we meet about a year ago, but I haven't been ready to get out in the community in this way, until now. We met for coffee and had an instant rapport. I am grateful to Ann for taking the time to meet me and share our stories, and I look forward to whatever God has in store for us in the future. I'm also grateful to our friends for suggesting it.

I recently worked with my friend and spiritual director, Bev, on getting her blog started. It's called Soul Wisdom Notes (there is also a link in my sidebar). Bev is a wonderful, funny, humble, deep, unconditionally loving person, and she has many gifts to offer. This is a new way to reach out and share those gifts, and I pray that God will use it freely to bless many people. Keep an eye on it for upcoming classes and news.

Yesterday, I went to the fire department yesterday and got a "burn permit." Now we can roast marshmallows and make s'mores on the beach, as well as burn a bit of the brush we've cleared.

I also had massage therapy. I cannot recommend this highly enough to anyone, and especially to those who are grieving. I have my Nana Emilie to thank for this awareness. When we grandchildren were younger, she introduced us to her masseuse, and gave us the gift of occasional treatments with her. Nana had a massage every week of her life after her marriage, and in her 90s, she had massage therapy twice a week. For someone who did no manual work whatsoever in her life (no cooking, dish washing, cleaning, laundry, etc. - none!), she was a mystery to me in her need for massage...until now. Now, I see that it's not just for sore muscles or physical aches; it's for emotional pain, as well, and it is absolutely a gift in my life. It's the reason that I am now cleaning my own house: I'm willing to work at cleaning in order to free the resources for those massages. Housecleaning has resulted in a greater appreciation for my home, and more groundedness, too. Interesting circle there...

Now, the sun is shining brilliantly on the waters of Puget Sound, and it's time for me get out in it, taking a walk & doing some yard work. I hope you have a beautiful day. I'll leave you with this quote from Richard Rohr:

"The pattern of the universe is that we are one and that it is radically okay. God is on our side. So we can be at rest. We realize that life is a school. And I want to give myself to that school so that my soul can be formed." - From Creating Christian Community