Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Do Over!

Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, I was lucky enough to experience the advent of youth soccer. It was just beginning to gain popularity in American suburbia and I jumped in feet first. In fact, I think my Mom still considers herself to officially be first "soccer mom". As Saturdays became Game Day, I absolutely fell in love with the burgeoning sport and became obsessed with every detail of the game. I practiced daily in my backyard, creating targets on the fence, often having to repair broken pickets with my own money. I would draw soccer fields on loose leaf paper, and create plays with toy soldiers, positioning them in just the right places for the perfect shot at the goal. I think that I even slept with my soccer ball from time to time. 

But despite the official games, cool uniforms and cheers of the crowd, I always loved playing neighborhood soccer best of all. There was just something about playing soccer with my buddies and the freedom that came with starting up a game whenever we wanted. No rules, no uniforms, no rain-outs and no refs. We seemed to play a little harder, get a lot more sweaty and dirty, sometimes even a little blood. But most of all, we seemed to have had a lot more fun, imaging that we were professional all-stars, following in the footsteps of Hugo Sanchez, Diego Maradona, Socrates and of course, legendary soccer deity, PelĂ©.      

But despite our love of the game, our soccer heroes, and the passion we had for playing, the one thing that I remember most was the amount of grace we allowed each other in our makeshift games. And we granted that grace with the ever popular "do over". A team mate would misplace a pass and someone would shout, "Do over!" The ball would accidentally go out of bounds because of wind, "Do over!" Your friend slipped while attempting to pass to your wing man, and you insisted, "Do over!" It was an intricate aspect of our games, and one of the only rules we held ourselves too with utter reverence. Not because we encouraged sloppy playing or didn't take our games serious, but simply because we all knew that at some point everyone was going to need a "do over" at some point. We all needed "do overs", and truth be told, they helped us grow and play better when we re-joined our official teams.  

As we face the early days off 2021, I assume that I'm not alone in my recollection and contemplation of the "do overs". 2020 was a historic year, filled with darkness, countless challenges, fear, chaos, injustice, hatred, disunity, pain and loss that our country has ever seen. It was a year filled with misplaced passes, countless fouls, yellow and red cards, mistimed shots at the goal and continuing to play the game when we were all aware that we were completely out of bounds. It was a year in which all of us desperately need, and deserve a "do over". 

It's part of our human nature to reflect over the last year and take inventory of our lives. One New Year's Eve and day, I found myself meditating and physically listing my intentions of the various things that I wanted to change in my life. Many things went through my mind, but the predominate thought was that I want to be a better spiritual influence for others in my life. I want to feel like I'm doing more than just going through the motions. I want to connect with people on a deeper spiritual level. I'm not exactly sure what that might mean or how it will manifest itself. Perhaps it will be being more bold in sharing spiritual insights. Maybe it will just be the sharing of the amazing things that the Divine is doing in my life. It could be that I just need to listen to others a little more. Most importantly, it may mean that I need to reflect more inwardly, connect more spiritually with my inner-self, and continue with the discipline of removing the masks of the false-self. Whatever it might be, I'm calling a "do over".

Perhaps you may not feel like you need a "do over" in these areas of your life. Despite the challenges and difficulties of 2020, you may feel as if all the pieces have fallen into place perfectly. But let me just ask you to join me in one commitment to the New Year. If you're a parent, grandparent, a teacher, life coach, counselor, a spiritual leader of any kind, or perhaps all of the above, you spend a great amount of our time with people. And this gives you a significant opportunity because there are probably 
many people in your lives that don't reflect too deeply on the past year. Sure, all of us have memories that we recall to mind. We share stories and discuss particular aspects of the year that stand out more than others. But how many of us deeply reflect on the past 365 days of our lives as we usher in a annual cycle? 

So, let us ask ourselves a few vital and sacred questions. What has 2020 looked like for the people in our lives that we love and influence the most? What are the obstacles they have they faced? What victories have they been a part of? Where do they find themselves on their spiritual path, and are there any particular milestones that mark their journey? 

Let us give some time to contemplate these questions. Let us ask these questions of ourselves. Let us spend some time with the Divine power in our lives and reflect. Ask yourself, "How am I connecting with my divine nature, and helping others do the same?" And if you see some things that you might have been able to do a little better with others in your life , then I officially make the call!

"Do over!!"

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Advent Reflections: December 17

Joy 

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Luke 2:9-12

Reflection

Fear of the unknown is a very common emotion these days. As our world continues to change, unknown factors of life increase as well. Our lives are filled with many uncertainties, all of which contain a litany of various unfamiliar aspects and results. When faced with the unfamiliar, many of us find ourselves reacting with every emotion from uneasiness to shear panic. Basically, most us just don’t like to face the unknown.

But with every unknown situation, there is the opportunity for joy to transcend our fears. Unfortunately, fear is one of the greatest factors that hold most of us back from accomplishing extraordinary things. Think about this for a moment. Is it not usually true that when we take a critical step of faith, trusting God even while consumed with fear, that the overwhelming joy we experience overshadows previous fears? Is it not usually worth the risk?  

As the Angel of the Lord appeared to the Shepherds, and the manifestation of the glory of God surrounded them, they were afraid. Who wouldn't be? In the presence of the unknown, fear overshadowed the joy that the Divine was about to proclaim. By the angel’s words, “Do not be afraid”, the Good News of Christ was proclaimed, and the unknown became known. Fear became joy. Truth transcended uncertainty.          
                      
Prayer

God, we face many uncertainties in this world and confess that the unknown causes great fear. But in your declaration of truth, through Christ, all fears are transcended to joy. Allow the essential truth that was declared to the shepherds to be the same joy that finds us today. 

Amen 

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Advent Reflections: December 15

Joy

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Luke 1:46-55
Reflection

As we continue our journey into the third week of Advent together, most of us just might be finally settling into the routine of the Christmas season. There may be a last minute gift to buy, a few decorations to set in the perfect place and a few meals to prepare, but more than likely, things are probably settling down into a more consistent pace of life. Perhaps we can all finally take a breath and relax, if only for a few minutes. These are important times. The times when we can reflect and meditate on what is most important in our lives. These are the times when joy begins to fill our hearts, and anxiety slips away just a bit.

When we read the words of today’s passage, often called Mary’s Song, it’s impossible to not feel the deep joy that she must have felt in uttering these words. She cannot contain the emotions that fill her soul as she calls out, praising the God from where her joy comes. Her joy is overflowing from deep within her, and she wants all who hear her to feel the same joy that she does. Even today, over two thousand years later, her cries of joy can be felt in these quiet moments of our Advent celebrations.

As with peace, joy is often misunderstood in today's culture. Joy is a lasting emotion that rests deep in the recess of our soul. As with peace, joy is not based on the circumstances or our day to day ups and down, but transcends the external, and rest deep within the internal of our true selves.

Let us take time to reflect on the blessings that God has given us and those we love. Let us hear the words of Mary that are just as true for us today as they were with her so long ago. They are true. They are real. They are now. Let them fill our hearts, our minds and our spirits.

Prayer

God, as we settle into the Christmas Season, allow our hearts to settle as well. Let our hearts be filled with peace and the same overwhelming joy that Mary felt so long ago. 


Amen

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Advent Reflections - December 14


Peace

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”

 Hebrews 1:1-2

Reflection

Why is it that we so often feel compelled to live our lives in the past? Why do we so frequently attempt to build our current days based on false manifestation of the "perfection" of yesterday? You’ve heard the expressions: “Those were the good ‘ol days!” “Remember when…?” “Things are just not like they used to be.” "I wish I could go back..." 

I am especially reminded of this during the Christmas season because many of us are drawn to the tendency of focusing so much on tradition. As soon as the decorations come out, the festive music starts playing and we watch our favorite TV shows, we allow ourselves to be transported to another place and time. Many of us think back to Christmases that we experienced when were younger, and long for those nostalgic feelings that captured us then. In an effort to recreate memories of yesterday, we strive to re-create a Christmas that mimics those of our past. 

The problem with nostalgia is that it manipulates our focus to rest on something that doesn't exists. The past remains only in the memories of the ego, leaving us unable to relive the days that have been. The only thing in which we have control over is the present moment. The passage of time is an illusion, and ruminating on the past doesn't serve our highest good. The past is no longer. Tomorrow will be. Today is what it is.

As we come to the closing of the second week of Advent, let us remember to rest in the peace of the present. God once spoke to the people of Israel through the prophets of old, and revealed the coming of Christ. For a time God was silent, and God's people longed with nostalgia for the days when he spoke. But, it was in their present moment that God spoke again. Christ came into the world. No more longing. No more looking back. Emmanuel, God with us!        


Prayer

God, in the quiet of this moment, help us to live our lives in the all encompassing peace of your presence. Enable us to rest in the great blessing of the present moment, coming to the realization that it is all that exists. Free us from the illusion of time, opening our hearts to what is. In your presence, there is no past. There is no future. You are with us now, and that is more than enough.      

Amen    

Friday, December 13, 2019

Advent Reflections - December 13


Peace

“All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said
through the prophet: “The
virgin will conceive and give
birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

Matthew 1:22-24


Reflection

Peace is somewhat of a priceless commodity these days.  Let’s face it. We live in chaotic and uncertain times with most of the circumstances that surround us inducing anything but peace. From continuing threats of political instability, terrorism and war to blatant injustice, singing “peace on earth” can seem to be empty words. Especially during the Christmas Season, peace is something that can easily elude us. Images of joyful family Christmas dinners, warm fireplaces and happy children around a Christmas tree can seem to resemble more of a Norman Rockwell painting rather than reality.

One of the greatest misconceptions in today’s culture is the misinterpretation peace. Most often, we confuse “peace” with the haphazard emotion of “happiness”. Happiness is an emotion that stems from the circumstances around us; peace is an emotion that rises above them. Peace transcends the circumstances of life and determines how we react. In fact, one could say that peace is more of a state of mind rather than a feeling or sentiment. Peace comes when we relinquish control of that which cannot be controlled. 

In the words of Matthew 1:22-24, we read of a situation that may have seemed overwhelming, confusing and filled with fear and uncertainty. Joseph could have awoken from his dream in sheer panic, argued with God and run from the circumstances that were thrust upon him. He could have legally divorced Mary and would have been completely justified by culture and faith. After all, from all earthly perspectives, she had cheated on him and was pregnant with another man’s child. Who would blame him for bailing out? 

This reveals much about how Joseph reacted to his circumstances. From our point of view, Joseph didn’t argue, question or choose to panic over the news God gave him. He didn’t run, get angry or blame anyone for what was going on. Instead he chose not to react to his circumstances, but submitted to that which could not be controlled. He accepted how his life was about to radically change, and as far as we can tell, he had peace.

 Let it be our prayer today that we react in the same manner to the sometimes uncontrollable circumstances of life.
        

Prayer

God, we confess that sometimes we react to our circumstances with fear, anger or panic. It is in these times that we lose hold of the peace that you want for each and every one of us. May we take hold of your peace and let it overwhelm us, rather than the troubles of life.

Amen