BETWEEN YOU AND ME

Where is the light in my soul?
I'm looking but I just can't see it.
Once upon a time You said it was there.
Would You still speak?

"There is a light in your soul.
Only with eyes of love can you see it.
Be still, my child, and listen.
Do you not hear it sing?"

MY ORBIT

I have been wrestling with the question of how I can ever have any impact on the world.  If I am created to thrive best in a semi-hermitic lifestyle, how can I make any difference in the lives of others?  If I am constantly "journeying inward", what does my journey "outward" look like?  Is a journey outward even possible for one like me?

I recently brought these questions to God, feeling anxious and sad that I was not more of an extravert.  I was surprised at the metaphor I was given in response:  Picture the Moon that orbits the Earth.  The Moon does not occupy itself with travelling around the Sun, and yet, because it stays on track with the Earth, at the end of a year, it has also made it around the Sun.  In the same way, I am to be like a moon, with a sole task of sticking close to Jesus.  The outward flow of my life will happen naturally.  I don't need to contrive it.  He will ensure that it will happen.

This, I think, is what He meant when He said "Keep company with me, and you will live freely and lightly" (Matthew 11:29, The Message). 

HOW TO GROW AN OLIVE TREE

You know how when you go to a garden center, each plant has a small white plastic tab stuck in the soil telling you the ideal growing conditions for that particular species?  It occurred to me the other day that I'm in the process of learning to read what's written on my little white plastic tab. 

So far, I think my growing instructions would include:

• Water frequently, wilts quickly
• Needs lots of silence
• Leave ample room between encounters with others
• Give space for creativity
• Plant in a sunny location
• Do not try to transplant too often, has deep roots
• Fertilize regularly with doses of beauty, meaningful conversation and extended times of reflection

A few weeks ago, during a particularly difficult week, I think I finally moved one step closer to accepting my need for adequate rest, solitude, silence and stillness.  These things are part of my particular make-up.  I am learning to embrace this as what God has deemed "very good."  I think I am starting to agree with God on what this Olive plant needs to thrive, blossom and eventually bear fruit.