Divine Encounters
Today is Christmas Eve. Wednesday was the last day of Chanukah. Both of these stories recall miracles that the faithful believe occurred many years ago. So whether the miracle was the visitation of angels to the shepherds in the field, or the miraculous oil in the menorah in the temple, both events imply a godly intrusion into the lives of everyday people. Today, exhausted and disheartened, I headed to Starbucks to read and meditate. Although the morning was drowsy, the Starbucks was well-lit and comfortable chairs awaiting. As I sipped my latte and listened to my meditation music, I noticed in my left side peripheral vision a man sitting crossed legged in his chair - and eying me expectantly. Finally, he asked "what is that book you are reading?" With a smile not wholly sincere, I answered "It's the Tao Te Ching." He asked what that might be, and I explained it was a Chinese book of wisdom - similar to the Book of Proverbs in the Christian bible. ...