Seeking the Truth

ME: How am I supposed to know what the truth is?

ABBA: Listen to me.

ME: Even when there are billions of different ideas?

ABBA: This is between us.
You're not accountable for the rest.

The Servant of Love

Servant to all
is not the same
as ordered about by all.

Jesus took his orders from God.
We follow in his footsteps
doing likewise.

True service submits to love alone --
acting in the best interest of the other.

Mislaid?

Where is this kingdom
within me?

Buried?
Hidden in plain sight?
My passion?
My nightmare?

Where do I claim it?
Have I missed something?

Please point out the entrance.
No empty talk or testimonials.
Just show me.

Giving to Give

"Give, and it shall be given to you . . ."


I feel in my gut
if I give to get,
I'm not giving at all.

Imagine that!
Carrots and sticks and Celestial Brownie Points
deny me the opportunity
to be generous.

Anthropocentricity

We like to imagine
we are the best, the favourites,
the smartest thing God ever did.

Give me a break!
Millions of galaxies
extending tens of thousands of light years,
just to be our night lights?

The OT authors
lived in a constricted universe:
a saucer with a bowl over it,
water all around,
and a bored God
playing mind games
because He's threatened
by His own creation.
Haven't we outgrown that?

Before pronouncing our verdict,
let's take some time to study the theology
of mosquitoes and seagulls and dolphins
and crystal life-forms that may exist beyond the reach of our Hubble.
What's that you say?
Interspecies dialogue is beyond us
so it follows that they can't think about God?

We are part of creation. We are loved.
That's our glory.

We are proud to be part of a winning football team
or a super choir.
Why not be proud to be a part of the dance of galaxies?
What's so great about being in charge?
It's pure misery
to perch
on the apex of a pyramid.

Retreat

I must go to the desert
alone, without shields
face wild beasts and angels
the stillness I feared

I must go to the desert
alone, without weapons
soften the scorched earth
with tears

I must go to the desert
alone, without luggage
for the dream
of a single pearl

I must go to the desert
alone, without agendas
embrace my weakness
to find what I seek.

I must go to the desert
alone for a time

When I return
you will not know me

Will I know myself?