The gift of surrender
It is the eve of a special day for those who are celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday and for those who celebrate the opportunity to exchange gifts and gather around a table with loved ones. For many in prisons, refugee camps, living in a war zone or dealing with Mother’s nature reminders in the form of storms, earthquakes and other events it is simply another day to survive as best as one can. For some, it is an opportunity to serve and for others it is a normal day of serving in hospitals, emergency service organizations and in all the other organization which literally are keeping the lights and heat or air conditioning running.
In many communities there are signs of generous hearts as they share their time, energy, money and homes. For some, sharing is something they do on a daily basis. For others, it seems as if life is too busy for sharing most days.
Some of us will share because we know that we have more than we need or deserve. Some of us will share because we feel pity for those who are struggling. Some of us will share because we need to show that we have been more successful or better people. Some of us will share because we will see our own pain reflected in others who are struggling. Some of us will share our despair or hopelessness. Some of us will fail to see the gift of sharing our open wounds.
Our open wounds may at time be the gift that others most need to experience. They may need the mirror of vulnerability – of nakedness – to reach that moment of surrender.
In the Christian tradition the baby Jesus will become that man on the cross who cries, “If it be possible take this cup from me, but not my will but thy will be done.” It is at that moment when he surrenders to the same helplessness as that baby that he becomes the man who will lead the way to a new beginning – a new way of life.
In the 12-step program it is recognized that recovery/healing/a new life is possible only after surrender. In dealing with chronic, acute physical pain Steve Levine, reminds one that it is only as we embrace or relax into the pain that we begin to get some relief.
When we are courageous enough to be with our own pain – whatever that pain – we are able to be with the pain of others. It is only when we are able to face the nakedness of our own pain that we are able to surrender and fully be with others. It is only then that we can truly share our common sacredness. It is only then as Father Greg Boyle would remind us, that we can experience new birth as individuals and as a community; that we can return to ourselves.
When we can break bread together as equals we can truly laugh and weep together.
Let’s all laugh and weep together this Christmas/holiday!
Written December 24, 2018
It is the eve of a special day for those who are celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday and for those who celebrate the opportunity to exchange gifts and gather around a table with loved ones. For many in prisons, refugee camps, living in a war zone or dealing with Mother’s nature reminders in the form of storms, earthquakes and other events it is simply another day to survive as best as one can. For some, it is an opportunity to serve and for others it is a normal day of serving in hospitals, emergency service organizations and in all the other organization which literally are keeping the lights and heat or air conditioning running.
In many communities there are signs of generous hearts as they share their time, energy, money and homes. For some, sharing is something they do on a daily basis. For others, it seems as if life is too busy for sharing most days.
Some of us will share because we know that we have more than we need or deserve. Some of us will share because we feel pity for those who are struggling. Some of us will share because we need to show that we have been more successful or better people. Some of us will share because we will see our own pain reflected in others who are struggling. Some of us will share our despair or hopelessness. Some of us will fail to see the gift of sharing our open wounds.
Our open wounds may at time be the gift that others most need to experience. They may need the mirror of vulnerability – of nakedness – to reach that moment of surrender.
In the Christian tradition the baby Jesus will become that man on the cross who cries, “If it be possible take this cup from me, but not my will but thy will be done.” It is at that moment when he surrenders to the same helplessness as that baby that he becomes the man who will lead the way to a new beginning – a new way of life.
In the 12-step program it is recognized that recovery/healing/a new life is possible only after surrender. In dealing with chronic, acute physical pain Steve Levine, reminds one that it is only as we embrace or relax into the pain that we begin to get some relief.
When we are courageous enough to be with our own pain – whatever that pain – we are able to be with the pain of others. It is only when we are able to face the nakedness of our own pain that we are able to surrender and fully be with others. It is only then that we can truly share our common sacredness. It is only then as Father Greg Boyle would remind us, that we can experience new birth as individuals and as a community; that we can return to ourselves.
When we can break bread together as equals we can truly laugh and weep together.
Let’s all laugh and weep together this Christmas/holiday!
Written December 24, 2018
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