“My hope is that the description of God’s love in my life will give you the freedom and the courage to discover . . . God’s love in yours."
- Henri Nouwen, Here and Now

Monday, January 5, 2009

Homecoming....

Being back home in CA, which I reached last Monday-- I have only been home one week... In this time I have learned (and been reminded of) a number of things: More on the four letter word that has been captivating my attention, how to drive to the South bay two times, how to roller skate, how to fall asleep with a lot on my mind, and how to drift into sleep with thick slumber, how significant it is when someone takes the time to listen as well as speak, give as well as receive, that I want to meditate, that I need to keep praying, that stories can be so profusely inspiring that you feel like you are putting together colorful gems from which you create something greater, and that love is not needing someone to be happy but rather more so working and hoping for another's happiness ... I have learned that I am not as old as I might think, and I have noticed that my hair is growing longer. I really can be simple. I panic. Yet, I am not panicky. I doubt and want answers. Sometimes, I don't want to know. I like raw, sweet carrots as well as running in the rain. When I am around true friends, my whole beings feels ready to radiate. At times, knowledge declares but wisdom listens.......

I have also learned that sometimes the truth hurts-- but, cliche as it is and most likely sounds, it sets us free. But we cannot lay aside our connection to the One from whom all things come--- Anchored amidst freedom & with freedom, we can live more open-handed... We can learn to love and not need to possess. We can let go as well as hold close. I have learned that I am still learning. Sometimes I don't want to learn at all. Sometimes I am so grateful for all the learning that I feel like a little child doing somersaults down a safe hill in my back yard.

Would that we could all dare to understand the truth that propels us?! Would we resist using each other as pawns but rather recognize all the uniqueness, all the wonder, all the potential. Friendship. Yes, I am still learning.