Practice looking, listening–really, really looking and listening, being in the Holy God moment, right where you’re standing, sitting, eating, working, running, praying. It’s in total awareness of your surroundings–and your inner self–that you can relax and let God be God.
“Every moment is a gift. Relax, get into the moment, and do all you can to listen to it. I mean, really, really listen. Be present to the moment with everything you are.
“It takes practice. After you’ve listened for a while, you start responding. I think you start working your gifts in response to what you’ve heard. You become appreciative of the moment. You give back because you begin to see how everything is on loan, a gift from God.
— poet and contemplative Christian Robert Lax
Hat Tip to Beth at louie, louie for the reflection on love from Robert Lax, the late great poet, contemplative Christian and one-time drinking buddy of Thomas Merton.
“Unconditional love. That’s the bottom line. Everything is here because of love. That’s why we were created — to love. Love keeps things going, not just for now, but forever. Love gives life and makes sure what’s around today will be around tomorrow. It’s all about compassion. That’s what the cosmos best responds to.
“Every moment is a gift. Relax, get into the moment, and do all you can to listen to it. I mean, really, really listen. Be present to the moment with everything you are.
Childlike love is all you need and, in fact, is what every person on the planet yearns for: the unconditional love with which they were received into this broken, violent world inhabited by broken, violent people in need of God’s endless love, endless grace and tender mercies
“It takes practice. After you’ve listened for a while, you start responding. I think you start working your gifts in response to what you’ve heard. You become appreciative of the moment. You give back because you begin to see how everything is on loan, a gift from God.
“Learn how to look. Take time to look to see what’s right there in front of you, to let what you see sink in. When you look at a flower opening or a tree moving with the wind, you just relax and take it all in. Try and see everything like that, if you can.
“Looking and listening lead into everything….. You become more totally aware of reality. It’s so true — everything we need to live well is already within our possession. Wisdom is right before our very eyes.
“Be gentle and patient both with yourself and with others, no matter what comes along. In this way, waiting becomes a fulfilling, very meaningful experience. If you live gently, honorably, focusing on the cultivation of your heart, good things are sure to follow.
“Prayer is a way of doing instantaneous good for all things in all places. It’s a way of sending out love everywhere at one. It’s a power that everyone has access to, and it can transfigure the world. Prayer makes everything you do more real, lasting, meaningful and fruitful. Through prayer, everything just flowers and flows.
“Listen, be discerning, use all the radar you can generate in your waking moments. Try to keep the balance. The whole world’s watching, counting on you to do the right thing, the loving thing. So let in the light whenever, wherever you can.”
This louie louie sure would like to receive an email when a new post comes online. I am signing-up again, Paul!!!!!
Dear Rev. Paul, I thought you might like to know that I’ve just published a biography of Robert Lax–Pure Act: The Uncommon Life of Robert Lax. It takes the reader on the fascinating journey that was his life, and it’s filled with thoughtful gems like those in this posting. Michael N. McGregor
Thanks! I’ll be looking for it