Sabbath Messages | Sabbath Message: January 17, 2004
Good Sabbath
January 17, 2004"Study Nature as the countenance of God," (Charles Kingsley)
"Nature is beautiful, always beautiful. Every flake of snow is a perfect crystal." (Lydia M. Child)
First, flying above and through Winter is to welcome frozen gorgeousness from afar: Lake Tahoe is a painting by the greatest Artist, God. Having walked every part of Tahoe, it is a special Eden that would have pleased Adam and Eve. During Winter, I would prefer flying over it, for a speeding jet seems to slow down to appreciate the scene. Perspective warms the cold and stills the wind, making it truly a canvas on which God creates.
Spring will alter the landscape for sure, but I am happy that my travels took me over Eden's winter. Without winter, there cannot be any Spring.
Walking through San Diego's winter is a different trip, for your senses are closer to the changes that Mother Nature has predictably paused to make:
the leaves sparsely populating near-naked trees which plan for Spring's re-birth; the evergreens pining for leafy companions; the palms showing off Hawaiian memories--not used to cold--but also unafraid of winter's visit. All too soon, winter will be over; I have at least one trip remaining, to Washington, DC, where cold and snow await. I am warmed by the possibilities.
Thank You, dear God
for what is here
and what's to come,
For Winter is not to be feared
no matter what bluster it brings,
for it is the prelude to Spring's rebirth--
as dependable as You,
O Lord.
"Believe in God through faith
not because of miracles."
I began the week by teaching my Community Economic Development course in leadership. The SDSU class is always filled with the reflection of America's racial and economic profile. I meet women of valor, frustrated because of inequality, but persevering to lead their communities. This curriculum was invented by Hal Brown, who is the quintessential teacher, filled with gentle wisdom, underpaid but loved and respected. As a man ages he struggles with where he has been and where he may still wander, to reach his destiny. I've met and taught two dozen Black Parsons who struggle to lead their flocks--their communities, through deprivation, and learn to think as business men on their pathways to self-discovery.
You discover more about yourself when you witness reaction to deprivation. You can feel ashamed because you haven't done more, or given more money. But to teach them how to think like a for-profit mind earns me their appreciation and love, a love that fills my cup until it overflows with so excellent a feeling, no matter how tired the two hours of standing, reacting and believing may have made me. And marvelous Linda Guzzo is there always to assist my thinking.
"That learning is most requisite which unlearns evil." (Antisthenes-Greek philosopher of 365 BC)
"All other knowledge is hurtful to him who has not the science of honesty and good nature." (Montaigne)
I do love teaching a class of responsive humans who have worked all day and still show up to listen and learn and share. Teaching teaches the teacher.
"If ever I am a teacher it will be to learn more than to teach." (Madam Deluzy)
I will have faith in Thee, O Lord no matter the season, the weather, the temperature, for You have promised Spring when we can re-engage our adventure with living. In this way we become more than human, but part of Nature, Yours and Mothers'.
Grab onto Winter Sabbath, for Spring is planning beautiful things for you and yours.
sandy
