Some Thoughts about Spirituality
Over the last two days, I have watched, helplessly, as news from my friends and loved ones in Houston have rolled in through Facebook and texts. I have felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the suffering and loss in my former home, both by those I know and those I don't. I am particularly concerned about the most vulnerable populations, including the large group of homeless youth who attend weekly dinners at our former church. Have they gotten to safety? These situations also remind me of my frustration with current government policies that ignore the reality of the changing global environment that makes intense storms like Harvey more common. In the face of this devastation, I try to be less anxious. I pray and petition. I read sacred texts. Yet still, I find myself focused on the negative, enveloped in destruction.
Tonight I remembered a Thich Naht Hahn quote: "The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it." I am going to challenge myself to be attentive. I know I have not been. I can be attentive to friends who are performing emergency services on little rest-the selflessness of these loving acts, not the dire need it represents. I can be attentive to stories of neighbors using social media to connect loved ones who are missing-the compassion of this gift of communication, not the sorrow and terror it represents. I can look at the lists of shelters and think of pastor friends who have and will open their non-flooded churches to those in need-the spirit of comfort and help, not the loss it represents. And, if I can do that, even moments of great darkness will be punctuated by points of light-joy and happiness over the triumph of love. Please hold the people of Houston in your hearts during this difficult and dangerous time. And join me in being attentive to stories of hope that spring from it. #HoustonStrong
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