July 30th
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Building a Light in the Woods |
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As I write these words, I am astounded when I look at the
sermon date and see July 30th. July 30th? Like, almost
August. Summer rolls on.
For me, it's been an unusual summer. Immersed in
construction of my house and the Light in the Woods Chapel, I've been less
cognizant than normal of the daily workings of the world on a planetary or
cosmic scale. My global vision has been reduced mostly to the specific
events taking place on an acre of ground in the Idaho Mountains. Instead
of contemplating worldly politics, religious issues, spiritual problem
solving or potential futures of humankind in God's magnificent and mysterious
Universe, my thoughts are focused on nailing a 2x6 in just the right place or
confirming that a plumbing pipe is set at the appropriate angle.
Frankly, it's been a nice break.
I'm not totally "out of touch" with the world or
disconnected from the ongoing course of human events, though.
Despite appearances, one cannot separate themselves from
the truth of our Oneness.
We're all in this together. Divinely connected.
So in the background of my construction activities, I still
remain sharply aware of the ongoing, escalating troubles in the Middle East, the
realities of war, the darkness of fear, the stark polarization of religious and
political viewpoints at home and abroad and the myriad complicated issues that
weigh heavily on many hearts and minds in our world these days.
I still think about these things.
And then I pick up my hammer and swing it with precision.
I walk the grounds and clean up construction debris. I stand yet again in
the heat of the afternoon and visualize and study and confirm that the house and
Chapel windows have been framed in just the right spot where my heart tells me
they need to be. I think about water heaters and decking and trusses and
gables and barge rafters and roof material options and insulation and flooring
and closet sizes and crawl space access and left and right door swings and
granite tiles. I remember to measure twice and cut once. And I grow
not weary.
Because I believe.
I believe in the energy and beauty and capacity of the
human spirit.
I believe in the Absolute power of the Divine.
I believe that together we can and will create a peaceful,
more loving world.
And I believe that with God's Grace, I am doing my part in
building a blessed space that nurtures such a lofty vision. A holy place
of simplicity and respite. A sanctuary for you and for me. A resting
place for the soul.
A Light in the Woods.
I believe.
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