Over the years, I have developed this view of history. See, I always had difficulty with other gods. Why were they there? I believe in one God, and the idea of others always confused me. A class in ancient history introduced me to Mesopotamian/Sumerian theology, in a rough sort of way. I saw in it some parallels to orthodox Biblical theology and I thought, "Why?"
Well, if you look at the Bible as history instead of theology, just for a minute, it might make sense. Imagine that the world really DID begin with one family. Imagine that family did something heinous, and the One in control of their lives changed those lives drastically. What was once a walk in the park--literally--became a daily struggle for survival. The family not only struggled with the elements, but with each other. Eventually, branches of that family drifted apart, emotionally and even physically. Spreading out through the countryside, and struggling for life, their view of God coloring their view of the world, their legends and remembrances changed. What was once one unified theology became scattered, corrupted and confused.
One group kept as close as possible to the original theology. Their story, recorded in the Bible, is where I look for hope and life. Others look elsewhere.
This is all leading up to an article I found in an OLD magazine in the doctor's office the last time I took Grandma there. Appearing in body+soulmagazine, and titled, "The Zen of Raking," it read
For all the bonuses autumn brings, the season also ushers in one seemingly interminable chore: raking. But where many see drudgery, Buddhism sees an opportunity for cultivating calm. "When we apply a 'beginner's mind' to repetitive chores, we learn to avoid getting caught in distraction or constantly seeking new stimulation," says Sharon Salzberg, cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts. Also known as "meditation in action," the Zen approach helps you hone your attention on the present moment while you get a chore done--in this case, rounding up fallen leaves. As you make your piles, focus only on the action of raking; when you feel your mind wandering, says Salzberg, concentrate on your breath or the feel of the rake to recenter yourself.
OK, now, stay in the moment. Don't be distracted, stay in the moment. That reminds me of another quote.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your bady, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:25-27
Now, it goes on longer, in the same vein. And it's something I have to think through more deeply, about how life is more important than food, and the body more important than clothes. But it's saying to me, "Yes, in life there is struggle. And you have to concentrate on some things in order for them to be done. But worry? Leave that for those who don't have Me. Let Me worry about you." For me, there is such peace in that thought.
1 comment:
:) Good observation.
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