Shalom to You

When ego is prancing    And pride is dancing   Bitter tears there to be shed   While sadly wisdom will have fled

Wisdom has an existential quality of deep significance. The need for it is great. But what is wisdom and where does God fit into the picture? 

The word ‘come’ is key to understanding God. 

Jesus so clearly expressed that when he walked among us. God, who is Love, invites to come without a hint of accusation. ‘Come’ and find your rest in me, Jesus said. All are welcome to benefit from his presence.

A man was standing at my door   Rude in health, well fed   Not someone I had seen before   I’m Jesus, all he said

Fantasy and mystery. Both engage our imagination but in a different way. The first isn’t real while the second proclaims to be. God is an expert at mystery revealing wonderful outcomes. 

Oh dear, a woman I was born   Fit for the second row   In flesh of man I am a thorn   My head to be kept low

The male/female problem dictates much of what life is about and surely also in a Christian environment. Ideas about it differ. Which align best with what Jesus was about and will bring joy to relationships? 

Confronting an evil tide.

A vision from God must come unexpectedly and be clear, St. John of the Cross explained. In 2022 this happened to me and what I saw was a shock. I came to understand that the vision is a warning about the future and an encouragement by the Lord to come close to him. 

I struggle Lord, in need of grace   Just coping as the days go by   You’re God, yet have a human face   You lived like me and felt like I

It is encouraging to realise that Jesus is both divine and human. He walked the earth just like us bit is God. There is a human being siting on God’s throne. Jesus understands our struggles perfectly.

I’m looking for the silent point   Where matters cease their pressing   That I may know God’s way for me   Amongst the questions

In a busy world coming to rest with Jesus is well possible when reaching for the silent point. There are a few steps to take which are not difficult. The silent pint is a special place to enjoy.

I and you and you and I   Ships passing in the night   My eyes scant see you going by   Oh Lord do help my sight

Meeting up with people meaningfully brings color into life. But does it happen enough? How well do we notice the people we meet? How does Jesus fit into this picture?

I’m a one-track pony   With a precious load   Not that easy staying focused   On the narrow road

There is good crazy and bad crazy. Letting your hair down at times has benefits. Many in Israel thought the Lord to be crazy for different reasons. Normal isn’t always best. 

Caught the rhythm of the river   On a mild and rainy day   As it showed a tiny sliver   Of the ever river way

Sitting at a river I reflected on the River of Life. Knowing the source of that river puts life into perspective in a special way. The impersonal flow of nature finds new meaning.