Monday, January 23, 2023

BROTHER LAWRENCE AND LIVING TO GIVE

That all things are possible to him who believes; that they are less difficult to him who hopes; that they are more easy to him who loves, and still more easy to him who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues. -- Brother Lawrence

I always feel heart-warmed when I find a quote or just a mention of Brother Lawrence. My first spiritual reader, gifted to me in 1971, was his book, "The Practice of the Presence of God."

I read the above quote today and, mercy, it brings tears. Its meaning is so much clearer to me today, but the glory of the God of my understanding is that I understood it to be true in 1971...how, I did not know, but I knew, and I knew that I knew. There. God in action.

My today's tears are of awe and wonder and gratitude. Back then, I was already under God's care and feeding, I just had no reasoning-mind concept of that. Paradoxically, my "reasoning mind concept" is still my bane to hug and kiss and release.

Brother Lawrence plain and simple...it's putting on airs to call him naive...plain and simple is what was then and is now so inviting. It is rather intriguing that he comes again into my consciousness just as he was introduced in 1971...and now, as I have noted, many rehappenings are coming with a new understanding opening. 

The resurrected memories have brought a new realization of how important it is to see from a lesser point of view. Detach...shuck our shields...be aware of the small gifts...seek less...appreciate the minutes...give not to get but to give.

That is the all of it, just to give. To get is no longer available...viable? Our thank you dispels the thought...the want.

I still feel gobsmacked that Brother Lawrence innately lived for the benefit of others. If I get there three days after I'm dead 'twill be proof enough that God lives. 

Thank you.

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