Moved by Spirit
“What we feel, not what we see, often moves us most.” I think faith is primarily about trust rather than certainty or evidence, so maybe that is why I liked this quote so much. I can honestly say that some of the most powerful moments in my life can only be described with feelings. When I try to explain what I experienced, the power is lost in the words. The Spirit is often described like the wind or breath. It is real and powerful, but at the same time invisible. You cannot see the wind itself, only the effects of the winds on other things. It has been quite windy lately. I woke up yesterday to an incredible display of the wind. The clouds were moving quickly, and with the various shades of dark blue, you couldn’t help but notice the speed at which they were moving. It almost felt like I was watching a time lapse of the sky. The vision was mesmerizing. I noticed the individual trees and the effect that the wind was having on them. It was a beautiful dance, at times the trees moved in rhythm with each other, at other times, one would dance alone. Each tree had its own way of moving through the windy air.
We, like the trees, have a different way of weathering the storms of life. Some find it important to understand all the details, some like to think through all the potential outcomes so that they are prepared, while some simply go with the flow and deal with things as they come. Some lean on others for their strength, and some stand firm, and grounded providing others with strength. The truth of the matter is that we can’t hide from the uncertainty of what is happening in the world, and we shouldn’t ignore what is being said or done. But instead of listening to the voices of a few, I think it is time to listen to the spirit. I think we need to remember that we are in this together. The wind reminds us that not all power is loud. I feel a common purpose emerging in our midst. One that turns our attention to each other. Have you ever watched A Bugs Life? I love this movie because it reminds us that when we come together, when we work together, we become strong and resilient. The Grasshoppers need the ants more than the ants need the grasshoppers. And once the ants realized this, their world changed. I can’t help but equate the Grasshopper to Herod, and the ants to the chosen people of God, the Israelites. Herod was right to be afraid, because Jesus would move the people of God to unite and act in love!
What I see on the news doesn’t always inspire me to seek justice, but what I feel when people are being oppressed does. What I feel when people are in pain does. What I feel when people care for each other is what brings me hope. We are a part of God’s creation. What can we learn from the wind and the trees? The sound of the wind is increasing in volume. I think it is time to not simply listen, but move in time and rhythm with each other. May you feel the winds of change today as the Spirit moves you!
Blessings, Rev. Karen