“I always begin Lent with gusto but by week 4, I’m tuckered out.” So wrote a friend of mine. I smiled and thought, “Week four? By week two I’m ready for a boost.” Through the years, I’ve discovered that tangible images help to inspire and give me that boost to stay on track. This year I began with placing a stone and a feather on the small prayer altar where I see them every morning. Without saying a word, each of them awakens my attention, reminding me to “stay with it.”
Both of these images have plus and minus features to them, each offering messages regarding my Lenten aspirations for what to expand and what to scale down.
A stone
Strong and foundational, durable. Not easily broken. Reliant.
Resistant and stubborn. Requires constant effort to wear away rough edges.
Consists of ancient elements that gradually evolved into valuable minerals.
Used in a variety of ways, some beneficial and others that can cause harm.
“Taking one of the stones, Jacob put it under his head and lay down.” (Genesis 28:11)
A feather
Soft, pliable, travels unencumbered from one place to another.
Separated from the source, becomes directionless in unbridled winds.
Requires unity with other feathers in order to serve its intentional purpose.
Provides a source of peaceful comfort in a feathered nest, duvet, or pillow.
“Under the Holy One’s wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4)
Each day these images call to me without words. I am reminded to rely on a foundational faith to develop valuable virtues, to resist being a walled defense about my viewpoints, to engage in supportive, social justice movements. I receive inspiration to be open as a feathered wing in flight, as welcoming to others as the divine Refuge is to myself, and to live with an attitude that whatever I do affects the unity or disunity of others.
Yesterday I found another image after reading a line by Neil Douglas-Klotz in The Aramaic Jesus: “ The true light…the clarity that shows us the right direction: the GPS found in every heart.” (Global Positioning System) Consequently, a little stand-up paper with a heart encircling the word “GPS.” has joined the stone and feather. As with the two images, this note lacks an ability to verbally speak. Yet, I “hear” this voice as clearly as the one on my phone’s system giving directions. If I remember to “turn on” my inner GPS by daily reflection, I’ll know where and how to move through the remaining weeks of Lent and far beyond.
What about you? I suggest you choose an image. Any kind will do. If you are willing to be still and observe it closely, you will recognize the message meant for you. Reflect on the plus and the minus of the image’s qualities. What does it say regarding your desire to live with integrity and moral quality? How does it encourage the expansion of what is truest in your core being? What aspect of this image inspires you to further spiritual growth?
Abundant peace,
Joyce Rupp
