Return Ever So Gently to the Sacred Word

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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1-2

This is one of my favorite lines from the Bible. It resonates with me as a writer, someone who has a deep love for words, so potent, filled with meaning and emotion. Like pieces of glass arranged to create a beautiful mosaic, reflecting light and color. Or just as easily words can cut deeply, drawing blood, filled with hurt and anger. To me, John is describing the mysterious, yet ever present nature of God. . . God is with the Word? God is the Word? God is beyond definition. God simply is.

I practice Centering Prayer on a regular basis. It is a method of silent prayer, similar to many meditation practices, to experience God’s presence. At the beginning of this prayer, a sacred word is chosen as a symbol of consent to God’s presence and action within. One of its key guidelines states, “when engaged with your thoughts, return ever so gently to the sacred word.” Return your attention to God.

I have been repeating that line a lot lately, return ever so gently to the sacred word. Covid 19 and social isolation has presented a gift, not asked for in this way, but a gift nonetheless. Time. Lots of extra time to read, write, walk, meditate, pray. . . and think. For me, too much thinking can sometimes be my biggest enemy. It can lead to worry, anger, sadness. Yes, it of course leads to good ideas. . . Give Mom a call and suggest she not go to the Publix everyday (how to say it nicely requires a lot of thinking!) How should I use the extra cream cheese and butter I bought for Easter before it goes bad? Let’s think, a 3-layer cake with the frozen berries and box mix in the pantry. Couldn’t let that go bad! Don’t I have a sewing machine and tons of gently used t-shirts? Let’s think about finding non-profits who need facemasks. Yes, there are lots of creative and lovely thoughts swirling in my brain.

But, I can also find myself going down a path that’s not so rosy. . .in fact, it is thorny, as I replay in my head conversations that I wish went differently, rewriting the script, in a production that I know won’t make it out of the editing room. I have arguments with people over things that haven’t happened. I only imagine they might, and I want to be prepared with the right comebacks. How quickly I can find myself so far from the path I truly want to be on. . . the path that is filled with breath, pause, lined with pebbles of compassion and kindness. When I snap back to awareness, realizing I have gotten lost in senselessness, I am grateful for the roadmap I carry. I whisper to myself, “Return ever so gently to the Sacred Word.” Ever. So. Gently. With kindness and compassion for my own humanity and that of others. To. The. Sacred. Word. And the Word is God.