Can I see my true intents?

As I retired last night, I thought about the garden, the grounds. I played through my chores in my mind, imagined the weeding, the tidying. As I finally fell asleep, I was satisfied with how proper it would all turn out.

This morning, preparing for the task, its magnitude daunts. Why am I so intent on arranging the garden?

In truth, I seek praise from neighbors over the precise rows and green grass.

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Let me not cloak motive by another motive, Lord. Grant me self-honesty.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I be honest with myself about my motives?

Reading:

“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” — Socrates

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“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” — Thomas Jefferson

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“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” — Psalm 139:23 (KJV)

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Let them growl.

Even here, exposed, I am safer than I realize. The wind whips and yet there are study things all around to grab.

What if that which I fear most came to pass? I would still be standing on this plain.

These fears are paper tigers.

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Let me stand, Lord, and walk through the day. There was never a need for this worry that stoops me over so.

Let me stand, and let the wind whip.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I see through what I fear?

Reading:

“The highest goal of music is to connect one’s soul to their divine nature.” — Pythagoras

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“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” — Leonard Bernstein

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“Sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth.” — Psalm 96:1 (KJV)

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Or harmony?

I went to bed thinking this day would be a battle, with victors and losers.

Today I see we are making music. All play a part. One voice dos not compete with another, but they both seem to blend in harmony.

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When I step out into the field, Lord, and begin to sing in the face of enemies — will they sing back?

Let your will be done.

– from the mountain

Consider:

Can I see harmony where I used to see war?

Reading:

“Where words fail, music speaks.” — Hans Christian Andersen

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“He who sings prays twice.” — Saint Augustine

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“Sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all the earth.” — Psalm 96:1 (KJV)

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What does it look like?

What does drawing near to you look like, Lord?

Is it reading books of praise in the early hours?

Is it sitting on a cushion, breath focused and eyes inward?

Is it repairing the fence? Feeding my hungry neighbor?

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You are with me in every moment, Lord. Let me then seek to draw near to you at all times.

Draw nigh to me, I pray.

– from the mountain

Consider:

How can I best try to reach you?

Reading:

“Closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.” — Alfred, Lord Tennyson, The Higher Pantheism

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“When one forgets himself, that is true prayer.” — Meister Eckhart, Sermons of Meister Eckhart

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“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8 (KJV)

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