Category: Spirituality

Naturally worthwhile

I am so often left speechless, in awe of the beauty surrounding us in Nature. So many throughout history have done likewise and searched ‘out there’ for the cause or creator of such beauty. I was challenged a few weeks ago, to rather look more deeply ‘into’ it and find meaning there.

There are many names we could use for God; the Universe, Presence, Mystery to name a few. Whatever name you are drawn to, this ‘otherness’ is displayed in and through all things if you look closely enough. That doesn’t necessarily mean they ‘are’ it, but that they portray an element of it.

I believe all things are of innate value due to the ‘image of God’ they portray. Therefore all of Nature, wildlife and humanity are in some sense, inherently good and worthy of love. In a mystical and amazing way this means that we share a connection with all that is around us.

This gives me a feeling of responsibility towards the natural world and all that is in it. For through it more of this mystery called ‘God’ is revealed. We, the human race, have become so disconnected from Nature that we have lost sight of its importance; not only within its own right but also its importance for our own health, well-being and identity.

 

“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”

Psalm 19:1-2

And he will be called…

This poem is a reflection on the Christmas story; as the birth of the man called Jesus.

 

“And he will called wonderful counsellor.

 

A little baby he was born so vulnerable and weak,

His daily routine consisted of noise, food and sleep,

But not necessarily in that order,

To his parents he was a miracle of life the very same life he came to reorder.

 

They watched his first steps and heard his first words,

Saw Creator God smile at small chirping birds,

Their growing little boy they brought up a good man,

Taught to pray each night he’d be part of God’s plan.

 

And he will be called wonderful counsellor.

 

Playing in the backyard or out on the street,

Forsaken his shoes preferred are bare feet,

Like all children being fully in the moment;

Kicking a football, racing an opponent.

 

He went to your school was taught by your teachers,

Yet quizzed religious leaders leaving them speechless,

Through thick and thin you’ve been as your friendship has grown,

This love isn’t pretend each other’s secrets you’ve known.

 

And he will be called wonderful counsellor.

 

A following he gathered as his wisdom was shared,

Of those within hearing no conscience was spared,

Teachings as sharp as the edge of a sword,

But for spiritual seekers the words struck a chord.

 

Miraculous signs followed him in every direction,

He fed five thousand despite the meagre collection,

Thy kingdom come he taught us to pray,

While fulfilling that statement his very birth day.

 

And he will be called wonderful counsellor.

 

Aimed at the powerful his rebukes had a sting,

While the lost and rejected he welcomed back in,

He literally turned tables challenged the status quo,

Simultaneously God and Man two thousand years ago.

 

He rocked the boat too much for the for the ruling elite,

Charged a thief and a robber was nailed to a tree,

He walked a lifetime in our shoes in him we can trust,

The Grand mystery made known Immanuel – God is with us.”