Letting Life Speak Through Us

Sitting quietly in my backyard early on a recent morning, I noticed the roses and shrubs near me.  They’d changed since the last time I had seen them.  For months they’ve been showing the same dark leaves. But now bright green growth is emerging.  They have been waiting for signs the season is changing and now sense the time is right.  I wondered: if plants have any level of self-awareness, what’s it like to be so calm and still for so long and then begin to make your move into spring?

Several months ago, I arrived early for mass at the Santa Barbara Mission. I appreciate the respect for privacy and silence which is the norm in Catholic churches. I found a seat in the middle of an empty pew near the rear. Seven or eight others were in solitude, some sitting, others kneeling. I closed my eyes and centered myself, then mentally named blessings and concerns, as well as my wish to be open to new possibilities. Then I opened my eyes and looked around. I thought about the others with whom I was sharing this space and time. I wondered what their own private thoughts and prayers were like.  Did their “inner voice” sound like mine?  What were they saying or asking for?  Here we were, this random group of human beings, each in our own private world of thoughts and feelings.  But all wanting to be open to something more.

Recently I gave a presentation to a local men’s group.  My topic was how spirituality can be expressed in our everyday work.  I shared stories about people who have found meaning in their labor.  Afterwards, one of the men came up and handed me a note. He told me it was a question he had used many times to help people find direction: “What is Life trying to express through you?” 

I believe the roses and shrubs know: “Our reason is to blossom, flourish and pass Life on.” 

At times in my life, I’ve felt clarity about what I am being called to do.  Now is a time when I’m not sure what season it is for me.  The seasons of our life don’t always follow a set calendar – we must figure them out as we go.

What is Life trying to express through you this season?