Tall Monastic Guy

the kingdom of heaven is "like"... tractor rides and haircuts

I can’t think of too many people in my life that I experienced love from more than Grandpa Simmons. But strangely I seldom if ever remember grandpa verbally telling me that he loved me. Instead, the common pattern nearly every time I walked in his home was a simple and strong encouragement to pass by the deep freeze and get myself an ice cream bar or any time I'd find him in the field on the tractor he would stop and make sure I had my time behind the wheel. These were a few among many ways a pre-adolescent Indiana kid received love.

And somehow I was able to clearly sense that love without him getting to the point of verbalizing those three words.

sometimes i let it destroy me...

at least for awhile...

Whenever Jesus has something real big and important to get across to us he launches into another parable. Religious folks (like me) were not fond of Jesus’ preferred way of communicating the most important truths of the universe. They seemed cryptic and time released slowly unveiling their implications and deep wisdom throughout the course of the journey.

creating space for discovery & resurrection

"My experience has shown that when we welcome people from this world of anguish, brokenness, and depression, and when they gradually discover that they are wanted and loved as they are and that they have a place, then we witness a real transformation-- I would even say 'resurrection.' Their tense, angry, fearful, depressed body gradually becomes relaxed, peaceful and trusting. This shows through the expression of the face and through all their flesh. As they discover a sense of belonging, that they are part of a family, then the will to live begins to emerge. I do not believe it is of any value to push people into doing things unless this desire to live and to grow has begun to emerge."

~ Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche communities

participating in the Bigger Gaze

You give a piece of yourself to the other.

You see a piece of yourself in the other.

This allows the other to do the same in return.

You do not need or demand anything back from them,

because you know that you are both participating in a single, Bigger Gazing and Loving...

one that fully satisfies and creates an immense inner Aliveness.

You accept being accepted... for no reason and for no criteria whatsoever!

This is the key that unlocks everything in me, for others, and toward God.

So much so that we call it "salvation"!

~ St. John of the Cross

(The picture is our youngest, Micah, with his great-grandpa Addington. I've looked at this nearly everyday since I've taken it. Yes, I love the two characters in the picture but the image seems to communicate something deeper to me that I need to rest in each morning as I face a new day.)

Listen to my story...

My Wednesday evenings are filled with stories. The stories belong to a community hidden or overlooked by those that matter. The past several days Denver has experienced late afternoon cloud bursts that have stretched into the evening. The soggy conditions made for a crowded coffee house last night and some shared stories that made up for the damp and cloudy situation. Although I've attempted to communicate in various ways the depth of spirituality that goes on in this environment it seems best told through poetry. Below is a poem that captures the essence of a conversation that took place between my friends, Julie and KickBack. 

Find me in your eyes
I don't want to scare you away, I just don't know how to invite you in...
My poems have been hidden for too long
My mistakes are written all over them
One thing I know, I have to keep going...
I have come a far ways from my family and I have found my home

The places I used to belong hardly know me anymore
I watch the lives of those who were once so close... from a distance now

Their lives full of all they wanted... their happiness filling my damp, cold soul with warmth
I will continue facing my challenges and conquering the discouragement that tries to invade
Listen to my story for a moment and then I will be gone, before you have the chance to leave me. 

                                                                                                            ~ Julie Wagner

within and all around...

You are within all things, but not enclosed. You are outside all things, but not excluded. You are above all things, but not aloof. You are below all things, but not debased. Your center is everywhere, You have no circumference. Your fullness is everywhere.