It is a devotional word which has been read for several years, but this year it seemed to linger around long after the pages had been turned to other readings. It is something attributed to Gandhi and it speaks of the sacred nature of common things.
If when we plunge our hand
into a bowl of water,
Or stir up the fire with the bellows
Or tabulate interminable columns of figures
on our book-keeping table,
Or, burnt by the sun,
we are plunged in the mud of rice-field,
Or standing by the smelter's furnace
we do not fulfill the same religious life
as if in prayer in a monastery,
the world will never be saved.
It brings to mind Brother Lawrence in his kitchen. But, it also serves to bring into focus the truth that if God is not experienced in the present moment midst the ordinary, it is doubtful we have truly encountered Him midst the sacred surroundings of sanctuary. It is never one or the other. Such we know in our head, yet, a change of context, or a change of scenery, can drive it home with such power that it truly sounds like a Word from the Spirit.
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1 comment:
Thank you always for sharing your inspirational words.
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