Journal of Sacred Work

Days 359-363 - 104 Years of Celebrations

   She may not be the oldest person in the world but this birthday cake from August 21, 2015 does mark 103 years of life. At the end of 2015 she yet thrives - happy, joyful and always wishing the same for everyone else. That means this woman I am honored (along with my two sisters and brother) to call Mom has celebrated every holiday 104 times.

   Perhaps, that is what it means to live a life that is rich as well as long - that you have actually celebrated each holiday as well as every other day. It is a stunning accomplishment for anyone.  

   People (including me) are always asking her about her secret to longevity and happiness. Her answer is simple and, at least for her, true. This is what she said recently: "Life is fun. Enjoy it."

   Her expression in this image proves that she models her own advice.

-Erie Chapman

Days 355-358 - Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

   Pictures cannot say everything but perhaps this one says something of joy in this moment.

   Love's blessings to each of you today & every day.

 

-Erie

Days 352-356 - The Other Magi

 "And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But...let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest...They are the Magi." - O. Henry - The Gift of The Magi

 

   It is one of the most charming short stories in American literature. Written in 1905 by the masterful O. Henry it also carries his trademark surprise ending. 

 

   In case you plan to read it I will not ruin the poignancy of his coda. If you already know it, share the story with everyone you love. It will embed itself in your heart & theirs ever after. 

   

   "The Magi," O. Henry points out, "invented the art of giving Christmas presents." He gave us his magical story, a fable so powerful it has been made into dozens of films & adapted in numerous other art forms. Millions have now seen the story unfold & have reveled in its gorgeous message. 

 

   The three Magi we know, the Magi of the Bible, were part of a Persian discipline that goes back 600 years before Christ. They inadvertently handed us another gift. The word "magic" comes from Magi. 

 

   The couple in the story are people of wisdom & love. You have their gift. You can bring your own magic to any situation. 

 

   The Magi followed a star that wove them into the greatest narrative in history: the birth of the perfect expression of love & the Radical Loving Care that flows from that gift.

 

   What magic might you bring to others during this year's celebration of the birth of Jesus?

 

   The Magi made a magic discovery. This Christmas I wish for you the same gift. 

 

-Reverend Erie Chapman

 

"The Magi" Henry Siddons Mowbray - 1915 (public domain) + book cover 

Days 350-351 Christmas Blessings

As Christmas draws near, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ; of Love in our midst.

No one can deny that this is a busy time of year. Ah, the twinkling lights, and Christmas Carols, the fun of decorating gingerbread houses and the most magical tradition of setting a live tree in the center of one’s home. We pull out dusty ornament boxes to adorn her branches. Nostalgia builds as we carefully unwrap each trinket that holds a memory of its own. A baby’s first Christmas, handmade treasures, some antique from our grandparent’s parents and a few new gifting’s with each passing year.  The enjoyment of gatherings with special friends, family dinners, and the excitement of dressing in our holiday finest for the parties, shopping for that distinctive gift and all the special efforts that go into to spreading some cheer.

Yet, beneath all the flurry of activities lies the poignancy of life’s fleeting nature. Living in this awareness we need to make space for all of life; joy and sorrows, fullness and loss, for loved ones present and for those we are missing, for our many gifts and for less fortunate times, for peace and the turmoil. In this way we appreciate the present moment with renewed gratefulness.

Let us approach each other with the reverence of an open mind and heart and with sensitivity that this season is not all about cheer as much as it is about inviting in and welcoming all that is with love.

Sending Christmas blessings to you; may you experience a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Christmas Mandala by ~liz

Days 343-347 - Facebook "Likes" - The Power of the Tribe

"...we're tribal by nature. Tribes today aren't the same as tribes thousands of years ago: It isn't just religious tribes or ethnic tribes now: It's sports fans, it's communities, it's geography." - Peter Guber

   It is hard to admit & embarrassing to confess, but here it is: I covet "Likes" on Facebook the way a politician covets votes. When someone posts a comment it is an extra affirmation. 

   We are not supposed to be that vain. Adults are expected to be so anchored, so fastened to ideals & so centered, that applause should not matter.

   Yet, we also want to be in tune with our clan. So when people click that strange "Like" button I feel honored as a tribe member. We are not alone in that. Entrepreneurs, entertainers & companies also beg us to "Like" them because "likes" translate into dollars. For the rest of us, it is simply a currency of affirmation.

   Of course, billions belong to Facebook. Many deny interest. "I don't waste time on silliness, they say." Most are lying - although there is plenty of silliness. One acquaintance informs his "friends" (another new verb - to friend someone) crucial data like "Just left for the gym," (later) "sweated like Rocky" (still later) "just finished my shower." 

   "We're like monkeys," my friend, distinguished poet Claire Bateman wrote me. "We need to chatter back and forth. 

   Claire is right. Clearly, relationships, whether among caregivers, friends or family, are central to our existence. Facebook is one avenue to connect with our tribe & actually a good way to encounter childhood friends & to stay current with others.

  Interestingly, there is an ethos to the Facebook culture. If someone "likes" something you post you had better "like" something they post or you may never see their name again. Beware of politics. As a result, most posts, depending on your "friends" are bland as pablum.

   Obviously, our life worth does not depend on our "Like" count. This is just Facebook, not the life & death world of caregiving.

   Still, it is encouraging when someone slides their cursor over & clicks that little button that tells you they appreciated what you posted.

   Imagine if patients, caregivers & leaders could offer such quick affirmation. In fact, they already can.  

-Erie Chapman

Days 341-342 "His Own Heart Laughed"

 “His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”  -Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

The Greek term Metanoia refers to a change of mind or of one’s way of seeing and of being. It represents a transformative change of heart.  This gentle turning of our face towards the Light is the invitation of the Advent season.

An all-time favorite that illustrates this notion best is Charles Dicken’s classic story, “The Christmas Carol”. In this tale the miserly Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by three Spirits. Scrooge is strongly persuaded to take an honest accounting of his life and the choices he made along the way.  When Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past he is  less than welcoming towards his uninvited guest. However, we receive an informing glimpse into the wounds that began to wall off  Ebeneezer's heart at an early age. Unfortunately as a young man, Scrooge is offered love but  chose material wealth at the cost of losing his beautiful fiance, Bell.

When the Spirit of Christmas Present visited we realize how cold Scrooges heart has grown through the years. We watch as he disdainfully rejected all overtures of friendship and acts of kindness from other people. Sadly, he had no desire to help those in need, even though he had the means to make a difference. He begrudged all attempts that appealed to his better nature and he refused to recognize any opportunity presented to ease human suffering. Scrooge found himself caught in the narrow confines of a miserable existence that was devoid of love or happiness as he hoarded wealth but found no joy in living. He received a warning from the ghost of his deceased business partner who carried the heavy chains he forged in life through greed. He cautioned Scrooge and urged him to turn around before it was too late.

At that point Scrooge wanted nothing more than to run from the awful truth of his way of being in the world. Yet his tortuous night was not over for he was confronted by the Spirit of  Yet to Come and a rather bleak future was revealed to Scrooge. He observed people’s reaction to the news of his future death. Not a tear was shed, not a kind word shared, nor would others grieve the likes of him! Equally painful to acknowledge was the consequences of his stinginess in underpaying his employee, Bob Cratchit. Bob’s older children worked in factories to help earn eager means and his fragile son Tim, died at an early age.  

Yet, to his amazement not all was lostfor  Scrooge awakens Christmas on morning with an epiphany that only Love's grace can bestow. He is overjoyed to be alive and have a chance to make amends. His cold heart cracked wide open in an outpouring of joy.

Scrooge has been given a great gift; Metanoia, an opportunity to turn and experience a change of heart. We all have a bit of Scrooge within us. We can become hardened, cynical, burned out and indifferent. The complexities of our world challenge us  to move beyond fear and trust in the light of Love.

“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!” –Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Days 336-340 - The Failed Humiliation of Jesus

"17. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him...19. They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him.  20. After mocking him they stripped him of his purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him." Mark 15:17,19-20

   The effort to humiliate Jesus was an abject failure. Far from destroying Christ & his message the circle of thorns crowned the King of Love - the one who taught us that those who live love with holy humility will always triumph. 

   Still, there is nothing more difficult for Christians - especially the testosterone-driven - than to practice love in the presence of profound violence. Yet, that is the lesson we offer our children amid the fragrance of the Christmas tree & before the cross of sacrifice. 

   Before Jesus, ancient teachings encouraged "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Christ instructed us to do something shocking: "Love your enemies" - even pray for them.

   His teachings are routinely misinterpreted. Only fools accept blows from enemies. But, Jesus did not oppose the idea that we protect ourselves. His love directed us toward disapproval of "the sin not the sinner."

   Love calls us to disapprove of violent acts not the actors. It also implores us to understand those who commit them...and, when appropriate, to seal them off from harming others. 

   What I learned in my days as a federal prosecutor and judge is that every time we condemn the personhood of the criminal (remember the "criminal" crucified with Jesus) instead of that person's actions we confuse & degrade our own humanity. It is a short step from there to blanketing entire groups with false labels.

   In 1861 Lincoln appealed to "the better angels of our nature." If his plea had been heeded by the slave-holding south the lives of millions would have been saved. 

   But, it is so tempting to scorn mean-acting people as subhuman. That is what makes the practice of love so hard.

   Perhaps, that is why we speak of practicing Christianity. True love is a daily challenge, a radical way to live in this world, and the highest expression of our being. 

-Reverend Erie Chapman 

Days 334-335 And Gently Turn Your Face

The season of Advent has roots that date back to northern Europe in pre Christian times. In the cold dark of winter candles were lit upon an evergreen wreath to mark the time, while each day people eagerly awaited the return of sun’s warming light.

In the 1500’s Christian’s adopted this beautiful custom in anticipation of the birth of the Christ child as a radiant Light of Love sent to help heal our broken world. Advent precedes the Christmas season and begins on the Sunday closest to November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle.

The circular shape of the Advent wreath symbolizes a Love that has no end and no beginning. Four candles, (3 purple & one rose colored) set on the Advent wreath signify our hearts' yearning with hope, peace, joy, and love. As we light the candles to reflect and share in prayer we deepen our preparation for the epiphany of the Christmas miracle to come.  Each week an additional candle is lit and a fifth white candle, within the center of the wreath, is lit on Christmas Eve.

The mystery of the Advent season is filled with surprises if we are patient and open to receive the gifts that are all around us. Today I received a blessing from a colleague and dear friend. She stopped by and invited me to join with her in reading today's Advent prayer and  reflection. Afterwards we shared the meaning it held for us as well as connections to how we are living our lives.  In open receptivity Grace transforms our hearts to see anew.

Blessing When the World is Ending

Look, the world
is always ending
somewhere.

Somewhere
the sun has come
crashing down.

Somewhere
it has gone
completely dark.

Somewhere
it has ended
with the gun
the knife
the fist.

Somewhere
it has ended
with the slammed door
the shattered hope.

Somewhere
it has ended
with the utter quiet
that follows the news
from the phone
the television
the hospital room.

Somewhere
it has ended
with a tenderness
that will break
your heart.

But, listen,
this blessing means
to be anything
but morose.
It has not come
to cause despair.

It is simply here
because there is nothing
a blessing
is better suited for
than an ending,
nothing that cries out more
for a blessing
than when a world
is falling apart.

This blessing
will not fix you
will not mend you
will not give you
false comfort;
it will not talk to you
about one door opening
when another one closes.

It will simply
sit itself beside you
among the shards
and gently turn your face
toward the direction
from which the light
will come,
gathering itself
about you
as the world begins
again.

Poem Written by ~ Jan Richardson

 

 The Advent season and tradition of lighting the candles helps us to pause in reverence and  acknowledge the sacredness of all life. In this way we prepare our hearts to be gently turned in the direction of light.

Whether or not you are of a particular faith or religious affiliation, may you discover the beauty of this Advent season and embrace the never ending mystery of Love's unfolding in our lives. 

Liz Sorensen Wessel

Wreath photo-Internet