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.

And then, the conversation continued, and the man explained he had just moved to Knoxville - seemingly led by the Lord in answer to his prayers. His accent implied Boston - or thereabouts - and he confirmed his hometown of Gloucester. He had been in Knoxville 3 years - and had been in recovery and sober for 10. He told me his name was Lee.

And the conversation continued and weaved and wove into what it meant to follow God and what even did it mean when Jesus said "I am the Way and the Truth and the Light. And no one comes to God but by me." So Lee confessed - as do many of us - that his search for a church in Tennessee was somewhat disappointing. Yes, I agreed.

And we went on to discuss C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and St. Augustine's "Confessions." At the end, Lee asked for my phone number, and asked if we could speak again. Unexpectedly I said yes.

And, as Lee left, instead of annoyed as one might think at having my morning "interrupted", I instead felt both joyful and energized.

Lee and I discussed extensively my idea of what does it mean to "walk by the Spirit", which is certainly Christian wording - but definitely not exclusively a Christian concept.

The Tao speaks of Wu Wei, non-action, just as Christianity speaks of "walking by faith, not by sight." The sporting world refers to "being in the zone", and surfers love being "in the groove."

I think most of us want a life of meaning and purpose and, unfortunately, our everyday life sometimes intrudes upon that journey. That has certainly been my experience, and as now a senior citizen, I can only report partial success at this endeavor.

But today reminded me of the words of Tao 40: "The movement of Tao is to return, The way of Tao is to yield."

I/we are so often in a hurry, or intent upon our way, our plan, fulfilling our own expectations. Today was a wonderfully unexpected reminder, that there is a higher path, and a better way. And good to be reminded that sometimes, not getting what I thought I wanted is the best way to get what I really need.

Sometimes, being humble and open enough to yield to the unexpected, can result in a divine joy not easily explained away.

dg 

12/24/17

Sent from my iPad