I have kept a journal for many years to record thoughts and meditations as well as mundane and sometimes exceptional happenings of life. By chance it happened that the pandemic’s beginning coincided with a decision to read and listen to some of the classic old hymns of the Christian tradition. A wonderful book had been recommended by a friend - “Sing to the Lord An Old Song: Meditations on Classic Hymns”, by Richard H Schmidt. I don’t journal every day, so those 40 hymns took several months for me to work through. I also have used the Psalms for my morning meditation. There are 150 of those, so it is taking many months to read all these old songs and poems. For this I have gotten a bit of help from C.S. Lewis from his book “Reflections on the Psalms”.
I use a meditation practice of reading a portion of scripture or song verses slowly, and then reading it again, watching for a phrase or word that the Spirit seems to be speaking to me at the moment. Then after a few minutes of quiet I scribble some thoughts arising out of the prompting of these readings. I am posting a few of these prompts.
I will fear no evil, for you are with me… Ps 23
The World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020! Things have quickly gotten serious as the Corona virus arrived in Montana and is lurking nearby. Only a few cases in Silver Bow county so far. That won’t last long. The President says it is under control and not to worry - it will disappear like magic. Yet there is fear and anxiety in the country and the daily news is permeated with alarm and even panic. We can’t fathom why there is a run on toilet paper, but nevertheless go and check our own supply.
I admit to some anxiety but we are taking the precautions seriously. Thankfully, I am not in a care center where folks are very vulnerable and large numbers of residents have gotten sick and are dying. It is like a valley of death for many. Are we to be fearful of this evil that spreads among us? I ponder the words, For you are with me, Lord.
I was in bad shape a year ago when I underwent a series of abdominal surgeries and spent days intubated in the ICU. When I hear about people admitted to ICU with COVID 19 and being intubated, I can empathize. The difference is that I came out of it alive, though drained of strength and stamina. And I had loved ones by my bedside. Not so for those with COVID. I shudder at the idea of repeating that experience alone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iIq1eRmY70
Immortal, invisible, God only wise…
We awaken to a bright day. Nothing to do, nothing scheduled, nowhere to go. Today starts a shelter in place order from the governor, which we have been doing already for a week. I sit and meditate without hurry. We are safe and thankful.
This hymn depicts an act of praise. The term “numinous” used by Schmidt, refers to a reality of boundless majesty and energy, totally beyond human understanding. Sometimes while singing hymns I do get that feeling, the experience of the numinous - “the reality of “light inaccessible, hid from our eyes”.
Yesterday we drove to Thompson Falls to adopt a tiny little puppy, whom we named Tuppence. I remember when I was in England 50 years ago this little coin was enough to buy a sweet - a piece of candy. I wonder if they still use it - probably of insignificant value now. Tuppence is tiny and vulnerable; sensitive to new sounds and sights. She shivers from the cold and from the strangeness of her situation as we take her from her mother. Judy puts her under her coat and she settles in for the ride home. This must be a “numinous” experience for her, beyond understanding. We hear that many dogs are being adopted as people stay home; perhaps looking for sources of comfort and companionship.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=immortal%2c+invisible%2c+god+only+wise
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