Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Brian’s Reflection: Tuesday, May 13, 2008


Drought burns basins to dust,
Light rain is a dew of mockery.
Receive without complaint,
Work with fate.


- Deng Ming-Dao (Taoist)


Deal with It – whatever “it” may be. That’s the point here.

I wonder if this is what people on the Christian path meant originally by “It’s God’s will”?? Now it seems to mean, “God has afflicted you”. But this is utter stupidity. Why would one be interested in a God who sits around deciding who has hangnails and who doesn’t?? I think it originally meant simply, This is what Life has brought; deal with it in an appropriate way. Do what is sensible in the situation. God provides the strength, the vision, the peace at the heart. As Deng says about “following the Tao”, One should simply ascertain what the situation requires and then implement what one thinks is best. As long as one's deeds are in accord with the time and one leaves no sloppy traces, then the action is correct. In other words, if there is a drought, don’t plant a water-hungry garden; a cactus will do. (Yes, this is a metaphor.)

I think we have been taught to work against the givens of Life. Here’s something to think about: - if there is something wrong with us, we have been taught to pray to God to take it away, make it better. Most of the time, of course, God does not do either, which is why when it does happen, we shout “miracle”. Which is why I have long rejected God as the Fixer. The Cross seems to say, “I’m with you in this; we’ll find the way together”. This is more sound thinking.

The prostate cancer I have been diagnosed with I am taking as a reminder to deal sensibly with the issues of getting older, of embracing mortality, of developing a “lightness of being”. No point in wasting energy complaining or in frustration.

Live as fully as possible, and be with those who help.

Brian+

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