Open to the Spirit
Today’s word: Discovery
in form. We who are surrounded by incredible beauty at every turn tend so often to forget to look, or even dismiss it as ordinary. We’ve seen it all before! Today we resolved to pay close attention, to practice appreciative joy and discover unexpected gifts of being alive in the present moment, one moment at a time.
Turns out, you don’t need to leave home to live a life of discovery. I’ll admit to being somewhat hesitant to return to “normal” as restrictions are being lifted. Not just because the threat of contagion has in no way lessened. But because I’m still savouring the discovery that being in lockdown blesses me with unique opportunities to re-discover and sharpen awareness and gratitude for the small pleasures of everyday. I invite you to linger with me a bit on the edge of discovering “appreciative joy.” As if our lives depended upon it - which they probably do.
) I grew up as a fan of Robert Frost’s poetry. One poem in particular always spoke to me, The Road Not Taken,
“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
and I, I took the one less travelled by and that has made all the difference.” This week’s word made me think of that line. If we always keep the same path, not diverting one way or the other, our days will be routine and safe. However, we may never make any new discoveries, especially about ourselves. These past months have been anything but safe and routine. This pandemic has forced us as a society to travel a very different path than normal. This strange path has led to many discoveries about ourselves and others.
Jesus, after his baptism walked a new path leaving the life of a carpenter behind. He also called his disciples away from their normal lives. On the road with Jesus they discovered new gifts and became leaders of the new way. Others heard Jesus’ message and decided to remain on their normal path in life, most noticeably the rich.
Here’s a story. One Saturday I went over to the Church next door to set up for Sunday worship. As I stood outside the door, I was surprised to hear someone singing. I listened, then peeked around the corner and discovered a retired mechanic in my congregation singing and playing the guitar. Eventually he noticed me, but kept singing till the end of the song. He is always quiet in meetings, and is the unofficial caretaker, shoveling the walks in winter, doing the lawn maintenance. I asked him to sing in church, and it took a little encouragement, but eventually he did. I still remember the surprise on peoples’ faces when they found out he so talented. What a discovery!
Friends, we are on a new road in life. What can we discover in this difficult time about ourselves and others, on this road not taken? ) A wonderful midrash, or story, tells why Moses was chosen by God to lead the Jewish people. We are told the infamous burning bush had been burning for quite a long time and no one seemed to notice. People walked past, gazed at the fire and moved on. But then comes Moses, the humble, calm shepherd who was the only one to really take the time to see what was unique about this fire. As the Midrash tells us, Moses saw the bush and sat down to look carefully at it. And because he took his time, only he was able to see that it was not being consumed! During his time wandering the fields with his sheep, Moses had trained himself to take his time, to look closely at what was around him, and to discover the blessings and surprises at every turn. He may not have been a warrior or shrewd businessman, but this was the kind of person who had the strength to lead!
In our busy lives, there will always be more than enough to make things complicated and fill us with worry. This current crisis has only added to our troubles. But making sure that we leave time to stay curious about all that we see, and experience all that is around us will ensure that we don’t let the world and all of its blessings pass us by. It is sometimes much easier to focus on the negativity that we experience. In fact, recent studies have shown that we are hardwired with a kind of negativity bias that sometimes makes us see the challenges before the good. Yet, keeping our eyes open to new discoveries, new insights and new ways of seeing the world will ensure that each day at least has a bit of light and learning. Leaving space for discovery, also makes room for hope.
If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that the world is still filled with so much that we cannot control, and even more that we simply don’t know. From the mysteries of sickness and health, to the tiny petals of an opening flower, there is always more to learn. We simply need to take our time, open our eyes, and see what inspiration comes our way.
One word, four voices - now we turn it over to you: What does it mean to live your life in the discovery mode?
Rev. Mead Baldwin pastors the Waterville & North Hatley pastoral charge; Rabbi Boris Dolin leads the Dorshei-emet community in Montreal; Rev. Lee Ann Hogle ministers to the Ayer’s Cliff, Magog & Georgeville United Churches; Rev. Carole Martignacco, Unitarian Universalist is retired from ministry with Uuestrie and now resides in St. Andrews bythe-sea NB, but keeps one foot in the Townships by continuing with this column.