It is odd what one encounters in the woods. Sometimes it is the relics of civilization’s past. Today however, it was child’s toy train. The changing of the seasons like life often surprises us with how quickly it is upon us. This reminds us that we must die to our false self, cling to our true self and be open to the shifts, the ebbs and flows of life all around us- no matter how complicated this may be. Peace is the practice of flow. Peace is an inner state of well-being and calm. With the practice of peace, we can cultivate nonviolence, cooperation and conflict resolution in our lives, our family and our community.An old railroad tunnel in a state of collapse. Life, while we can see the path before us, sometimes we cannot look back because the collapse of friendships, hardships, failed ventures. Don’t look back, you are not going that way.
The next two pictures are a visual representation of life. Here, I am reminded of the importance of being present and being patient. Being present in the spiritual life always has a double meaning. There’s present, as in here, in attendance. And there’s present, as in now, a moment of time. What is the spiritual practice of being present? Being here now (quoted from Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat).
Life, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Jesus, in his wilderness experience faced all challenges with an open, patient mind. He appears to consider thoughtfully and unselfishly the path before him and the implications of his choices. This appears to be rooted in his Judaism and is vastly different than the way we today as Christians have become self entitled and individualized.
While I do not believe this is a guide tree, it is known that the native people, past travelers would bend trees to guide future travelers to water, direction of travel and shelter. When we cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in our lives, the guideposts will begin to appear.
Shalem Consulting 