The further I wake into this life, the more I realize that God is everywhere and the extraordinary is waiting quietly beneath the skin of all that is ordinary. Light is both the broken bottle and the diamond, and music is in both the flowing violin and the water dripping from the drainage pipe. Yes. God is under the porch as well as on top of the mountain, and joy is in both the front row and the bleachers, if we are willing to be where we are. ~ Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening, p. 24
After decades of not skating, last year I had the opportunity to go to a friend's farm pond and skate to my heart's content. I was thrilled! I recalled the many times in my childhood of anxiously waiting for the ice to freeze on the creek nearby. My brothers and I measured the ice each day to see if it was thick enough to skate. When the thickness reached four inches, we had permission to skate. The best ice was smooth as glass. It cracked and made music as we skated. Ice sounds are caused when the ice expands or contracts with the rise and fall of the temperatures. The exhilaration of gliding gracefully across the ice on a cold, crisp day, listening to the "song of the ice" gave me great joy. My soul was nurtured by this holy experience.
Though ice on a creek is beautiful and provides wonderful recreation, it can also be treacherous and cause accidents. A few years ago I broke my arm from a fall on clear ice on the track where I walked each morning. Even though I was not spared a broken arm, I sensed God's presence in the slow, hard work of therapy and healing. What gave me great joy also brought me pain and God was there in the midst of it all.
Practice: Quiet meditation
Songs of the ice: Jonna Jinton says that she has been recording these songs of the ice every year for the past four year. Take a moment to be still and listen to these magical and mysterious sounds. She suggests you listen with headphones for the best experience, "Many people experience a calming feeling when listening to these sounds. It reminds us of the sounds of whales singing. And it also reminds us of the sound from before we were born, when we were inside the womb. I personally love to have the ice sound in the background while writing, painting or meditate." How did you experience this time of meditation and listening to the song of the ice?
Reflection
Sunday we began with the story of Mary and Elizabeth making space in their hearts for both sorrows and joy. In the midst of mixed emotions, they blessed and encouraged each other.
How is it for you to hold both emotions at the same time?
Spend some time naming the sorrows and difficulties in your personal life; in those people in your commuity who are in pain; in the people groups around the world who are suffering and oppressed; and in the groan of creation from climate change. Offer these prayers to God's for comfort, healing, and hope.
Name the joys you are experiencing this season as well as joys in your community and in the world. Offer praise and gratitude to God.
Be attentive to those who are discouraged and struggling. Perhaps call, email, or do something special for the person.
Prayer
These days bathe us in images
of abundance and happiness,
but we pray for those
who do not find this time
a season of goodness
and light.
Give us eyes to see
into the shadows
cast by the millions of
blinking lights;
ears to listen
beyond the carols
to hear
the anguished weeping;
and hearts that long
for liberation
your advent truly brings.
~Jan Richardson
Song: Waiting for the Dawn, Salt of the Sound
Silent night, holy night. The stars are shining, for a weary world.
Silent night, holy night. Long lay the world, waiting for the dawn.
Long lay the world, waiting for the dawn.
A glimpse of hope (a weary world rejoices),
For a new and glorious morn,,,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.
Silent night, cold and bright.
That star still shining, for a lonely world.
Silent Night, O that night,
Few were waiting, as the dawn appreared.
A glimpse of hope (a weary world rejoices),
In a new and glorious morn...
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.
The stars are shining, for a weary world.
Resources
Jinton, J. Art &Jewlry
Jinton is from Sweden and is fascinated by ice. She captures beautiful photography
and sounds of cracking ice. "As the ice grows in the winter it cracks and creates
otherworldly sounds, as if it was an ancient spirit awakening and roaring out in the
night, and the surface of the ice turns into a beautiful work of art."
Nepo, M. (2011). The Book of Awakening. San Francisco, CA: Conari Press
Richardson, Jan. (1998). Night Visions. Cleveland, OH: United Church Press.
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