Frustrations

I have learned over the last few days just how addicted to the computer I really am! Our modem died, and after a couple of days with tech support appointments, we bought another modem and spent awhile longer with tech support, to get it set up. Ahhhhhhhh. I am connected again.

But today, besides the tech support, was one of those days where everything I had to do, didn't happen easily, and some didn't happen at all. I arrived at the post office exactly 1 minute after it closed, and needed to mail some pics of vacation to my inlaws, and a friend. I went to get some new clothes at this new, supposedly hot store, and couldn't find one thing that fit right. (Unfortunately, it isn't that new hot store's fault!).

I also learned that there is yet another fire in California, and it is near Yosemite, my favorite sacred spot in the world. I looked it up on the map and the fire is pretty far from the park itself, but with the dry brush here, it has potential. Please stop.

But with all the frustrations of the day, they weren't bad in the grand scheme of things. I received a phone call from a friend from High School. I officiated her wedding in 2005; a second marriage for both. Her husband passed away from Cancer two days ago. Somehow, all the frustrating picky stuff of the day doesn't even compare.

Susan

Yosemite

Today we are at Yosemite National Park. It has to be my favorite place on the earth. Coming out of the tunnel on Ca. Hwy 41, is the most breathtaking shot, of the whole Valley laid out before you. There is El Capitan over to the left side, with it's massive, flat, solid granite shooting up, to the heavens. Then there is Half Dome, with his curved back and point. Directly across the valley from El Capitan is Cathedral Spires; three solid rock steeples, side by side, reaching up. I see this site and I think of Ps. 8, "Oh Lord, Our Lord, How Majestic is Your Name in all the Earth!"



Continuing on the highway beyond this viewpoint, takes you to the floor of the Valley, where there are beautiful meadows, and the Merced River gently winding down through the valley. In one of the meadows is a little brown church, small, very natural looking, and surrounded by beauty. Maybe this is my retirement calling!!!! Oh, Please God, Can I suffer for you here? (Teeheehee).



The fun part is showing this favorite place of mine to my son, and my mother and brother in laws who are all seeing it for the first time. I am not sure whether they or I am in more awe. Them for seeing the beauty for the first time, or me getting the blessing of seeing it again. Hopefully our Spirits are ones who can maintain the Awe of God's creation, even if seeing it for the tenth time, as if seeing for the first time; with awe, splendor and wonder.

The Ocean

What is it about the ocean that is so spiritual? Today my inlaws, my parents, my son and I went to The Getty Villa on Pacific Coast Highway. It was gorgeous. But I will tell you, on the way home, we stopped to walk on the beach. There is just something about walking along the beach, getting the sand between your toes and having the water run up on your legs that is so refreshing. It seems to wipe any time away, and the salt water air, wipes away any stress that may have been present.

Watching the people who are all relaxing; people flying kites, swimming or chasing each other in the water, watching the seagulls, etc. renews the spirit, and brings such a huge smile to my face. I need to do this more often. Here, we only live about 30 minutes from the beach, and I may as well be hours away. We rarely go. Getting caught into a routine of working and errands around the house, etc.

I need more salt air, more sand between my toes, more ocean water on my feet and legs, and maybe even the whole bod! I need to watch more seagulls and children of all ages in a mode of relaxation. It's good for the spirit, to refresh the soul and to renew us all. Ahhhhhh.

Susan

Soul Listening

Tonight, I attended a Bible Study at our church. The topic was on Prayer primarily. The speaker reminded us about the need for silence, in order to hear the Spirit speaking to us. We were given a list of questions, that came from Phillip Yancey's book, "Prayer, Does it Make Any Difference."

They are as follows:

How can I slow down?
How can I simplify?
How can I bring silence into my life?
Hw can I savor this moment?
How can I speak up? (Tell the Truth)
How can I settle in? (Establish roots and rituals)
How can I shed my armor and masks?
How can I soften my approach to life?
How can I serve the community?

All great questions. The only one I don't struggle with is the last one! I do serve my community, both local and throughout LA. To the point sometimes of being frazzled!! But slowing down? Simplifying? Silence? What's that? It is what I need to do, in order to remain open to the transformative work of the Spirit. The three things that distract us or prevent us from being able to do "Soul Listening" is Busyness, Noise and Crowds. It is a discipline to create the space to listen; to be still, and to be intentional about being in touch with our Spirits.

It is hard work, but necessary. Any comments or ideas are welcomed!

Susan