“Only a lit lamp will carry us through this, a soul that burns with longing.”

—Rabindranath Tagore

 

A couple of weeks ago I was up in New York City for a speaking engagement, and to meet my publishing team at Penguin Random House. In a group conversation, my friend Margaret made a comment that stuck with me: “We all just want to believe there is Something more here—and that we can access it.” It resonated because I do feel this constant tug-o-war within, but also see it reflected in our world, between the Infinite and the finite, the grind and surprises of grace, our solid material existence and the undeniable presence and longing of our souls.

 

Maybe this sounds like tomfoolery. But I am convinced that we live in a sacred world where God is indeed offering us more. As I write in the prayer below, “there is a shimmer in the dust.” Maybe that is what being a faithful person looks like—eyes and hearts open for where divinity is revealed in this upside down, break-your-heart world. And then we tell someone about it. I, for one, need to slow down, look out and look in.

 

I hope this prayer blesses you this week.

Creator of Love,

If you were to take a measure of my heart to Yours.

Would a vast distance separate us?

How quickly I can lose myself to a tiny vision.

Delicate, the balance of human and divine within me.

 

My soul must navigate Two Worlds.

One, of dust, the other, angel’s breath.

Some days, I’m caught in what feels an endless obstacle course,

believing this is all there is,

just making it through,

the tank dangerously low on the Sacred,

praying the Hourglass will be generous.

 

When I carve through the noise and expectation,

sink into the quiet and sublime

I can hear You—

pleading with my soul to seek more.

My eternal elements know of a world

that exists beyond a mysterious veil.

Sometimes it feels so close that I am there.

When love is pure,

hope is lush,

and beauty makes me catch my breath,

I touch the Eternal,

(momentarily saved)

The Original Design.

 

If only I could transcend more.

Beneath the trees, the sun warm on my face,

arms wrapped in an embrace, the night strung with lights,

a whispered prayer that mysteriously takes me to You.

…Miraculous…

I am less tight and afraid,

more curious and resilient.

So much shimmers in the dust.

My soul knows it.

Help me open my eyes (and heart),

not to miss what truly matters.

A grateful amen.