“Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love.” — Claude Monet
This quote reminds of Nayaswami Parvati’s beautiful talk at Sunday service this morning.
She was sharing about Brother Lawrence, telling us that his way of practicing the presence of God was absolutely just love. He simply loved God!
He became a lay member in a monastery, but when he tried to tune into the dogma of the church (being a sinner; heaven and hell; etc.) it made him feel bad. So he just continued loving God instead!
He wasn’t educated and his service was very humble, but he was filled with deep wisdom and his spiritual life was dynamic.
Brother Lawrence died in 1691 but his insights and teachings continue to inspire us more than 300 years later.
Thinking of his life, I don’t think he would mind if I adapt the above quote by Claude Monet in his honor:
“Everyone discusses God and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love.”
I usually fall behind on things throughout the month of December, so — sure enough — Hanukkah started two days ago and I’m just now tuning in.
Of course, it’s such a heartbreaking time, with wars happening and Antisemitism on the rise and craziness in Congress…but I want to focus on goodness and love and….LIGHT!
So, Happy Hanukkah and if you feel to, check out Project Menorah as a way to combat Antisemitism.
Photo of the “Baby Got Track” team, from the Humans of New York Facebook page
If you’re on Facebook much you might have heard of the page, Humans of New York. They post touching or inspiring or weird stories about random New Yorkers.
Well, the story I read today is super-inspiring. In fact, I think it’s one of the best ever. (I was tempted to paste the entire thing here in my blog, but it’s too long.)
Briefly, it’s about how a middle school teacher — a young black woman — stepped up to the plate and started an afterschool track program; the impact it’s had on her students; and the victories they’re achieving as a result.
The synopsis doesn’t say much. But here are some quotes from the actual story that I hope will give you a sense of what I love so much about this…starting with the opening line:
“The school wanted to create some new after-school programs. I’d run track in high school. Was I good? No. But I ran. So I volunteered to create the track program.”
I mean, this right here is AWESOME: “Was I good? No. But I ran.” And “I volunteered”!
Also: “I’m not rushing them to be grown” and “My goal was just to finish the season. I wanted them to learn commitment. So when they grow up they can determine their own way without somebody pushing them.”
So much wisdom from this young teacher.
And then there’s all the love in the comments — thousands of them! I don’t know when I’ve ever read so many positive, loving, supportive, enthusiastic words in one place before (well, that wasn’t something spiritual anyways).
Here’s one that especially caught my eye, probably because “Say YES to life” is one of the guiding principles of Ananda:
“This is the kind of magic that happens when you say ‘Yes’. It’s a wonderful lesson for us all to step up to the plate even when we don’t feel we have the experience and credentials to do a job- sometimes what is needed most is conviction and passion! Go BGT!”
And I just can’t help sharing a few more:
“Sometimes it just takes one person to believe in you, encourage you, AND require something of you.”
“These are the lessons kids don’t learn on paper, sitting at a desk, and they aren’t measured by a percentage. The lesson of showing up, for your team, for yourself, practicing and accomplishing. Trying something. Taking a chance. Mastering. The empowerment is priceless. Awesome learning.”
“So many great things about this story! Volunteering, motivating, teamwork, great attitudes. They just needed their squad and some positive reinforcement.”
“Very inspiring! Right now, someone out there is reading this piece, and turning it into a ‘inspired by real events’ Disney movie script.”
I hope that last comment is prophetic, because at the end of their first year as a team, Baby Got Track won the New York State Middle School Championship!
I was pondering and pondering what to write tonight, but my jetlagged brain simply wouldn’t cooperate.
So I ended up scrolling through Facebook for inspiration and found this absolutely wonderful quote by Swami Kriyananda.
How comforting that the key to overcoming doubt is dwelling on the thought of how much God loves us.
It also reminds me of another deeply inspiring quote, this one by the French saint, Jean Vianney: “If you knew how much God loves you, you would die for joy!”
Statue at Ananda Village of Yogananda blessing the world (photo by Bhaktan Klippstein)
“Remember this: When I am gone, only love can take my place. Be absorbed night and day in the love of God, and give that love to all.” — Paramhansa Yogananda
Oh, my goodness! I am humbled, moved, and in awe of the overwhelming response to my request for support.
To be honest, it has turned into something of a spiritual test for me. What I mean by that is that this process is challenging all my feelings of unworthiness while also pushing me way out of my “receiving” comfort zone.
I keep wanting to say, “Stop! It’s too much!” But then I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and focus on relaxing my heart and opening to receive.
After all, can one have too much love? Too much sincere friendship? I don’t think so, but allowing this much loving friendship to flow to me and through me is most definitely stretching and changing me.
And what a beautiful, beautiful process it is. I just wish I could find the words to express all that I feel.
Oh, well. “Grateful” will simply have to do.
P.S. There was a glitch with some of the mp3s. If you had problems opening or downloading, here’s the NEW LINK.
