I am a believer in compassion, community, and caring. My belief rests on a premise that the God we collectively thirst to know by whatever name we or our faith system gives him or her holds these three Cs close to the Divine center. Everything pivots the three Cs. Beauty is an outcome of these points coming together. Wonder emerges when the Cs are the mantra the artist starts with. The life energy we need to survive, especially in times of heartache start and end here. Forgiveness, learning, and growth all emerge from this center. Sustainability is a hallmark. Durability and courage are interchangeable.
As I wrestle with the death of a friend and his upcoming funeral, I realize I need to see Divinity at work. My prayer echoes the psalmist’s words; “Not for our sake, God, no, not for our sake, but for your name’s sake, show your glory. Do it on account of your merciful love, do it on account of your faithful ways.” (Psalm 115.1)
I realize my need to see, hear, and yes fell Divinity at work is not a sign of weakness. It is part of my being. In times of trouble, there is somebody I can call. She is always there. She listens and understands as no other can. Recognizing one’s thirst for Divinity opens the possibility of being aware of all the ways Divinity is working in our lives.
In times of pain, hardship, and uncertainty, the lesson of this week is to look for beauty! Looking for beauty is not an act of denial. Looking for beauty is an attempt to bring compassion, community, and caring back into the center of all that we are. It gives us the strength and courage to carry on when we think we cannot.
When I feel that all is on the verge of collapse, it is in the awareness that there are those around us that care. Strangers and friends willingly carry me in pain. Each smile and action is a gift of Hope. Hope’s friends are waiting to be found.
