Oh, Eternal!
John Bonney of Springfield, OR, USA
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 1:3
There is something so profound, unimaginable, and all-encompassing out there and in here that brings meaning to our lives. We call ourselves human beings, residing in this place that means so much to us, this place for which there is no good reason, purpose and/or answer. We are lost in a world that is confusing and unhelpful, yet found in a world of purpose, and hope and callings. It is a place where there is indeed a Source upon which we all depend, yet we understand so little.
And yet, we are held in such great, such wondrous, such invaluable love. It is a love that is universe-wide, as well as universal. We might wander, lost, looking for the meaning of being. But right here, right now we
have not only each other. We have all others, all spaces, all times, in which to both find and offer meaning, love, and acceptance. Oh, Presence that is beyond Presence! Oh, Builder of universes, stars, and galaxies! Oh, Constructor that sends forth, blesses, guides, and steers, that allows me to see beyond myself to see the universes of experience and creation.
What am I? What are any of us, that we have the temerity to measure ourselves in the light and profundity of the Creative? But we do and we wander. We look and we find. Sometimes we are what we could be,
what we should be. We are sometimes the givers of health and love and guidance. Sometimes we find the puppy that has been lost, hurting, and alone. We cradle it in our arms because we have been innately taught to love and care-and perhaps because we, too, have felt lost and hurt and alone. We take the puppy of human need home with us, rear it, comfort it, love it, and give it the freedom to move and play and love as well.
And we have found the purpose and the center of presence, of the creative process. Then we must learn here and now the essence of that which is eternal. That essence is first and foremost eternal love. It is universe-enfolding love. Oh, divine creative Presence, I have failed! But I will continue to try! Give me strength and understanding and your love.
Prayer Phrase
We are one in Christ.
Spiritual Practice
Week Five: A Living History
Journal/Reflect
Consider the wider communion that we are preparing to enter- those ancestors who have gone before you, pondering in their hearts also how to wisely respond to the Spirit for the blessing of the church and the world. Imagine those who may come after you, years into the future, discerning and deliberating, pulling from wisdom past and creatively reaching into wisdom yet unseen. Give thanks and ready your heart for the voice of the Spirit that “echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 162:1b).
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
