On Fire with Glory

Sunset at Pike Hill Farm — photo by Amey Bailey

Dear Soul Friends,

Sometimes the earth is on fire with glory. It might be a flash of a moment or a longer period of time, but it is so spectacular that it silences us with awe and wonder. The beauty before us is all that matters. The agenda or activity we wanted to accomplish is set aside as the earth tells us to hush and stop whatever we are doing and look. Be astonished. Be grateful. Soak in the wonder. This moment matters. 

One night some years ago, my sister sent me this photo of the sun setting over her farm. It was a cold January night, much like the nights we are having this week. I had spent the day in meetings and was completely preoccupied with completing the notes and a PowerPoint for an online class I was scheduled to teach. Even though the class topic was spiritual, I was concerned with the details. Were my notes complete? Were the slides in order? Did I cover the topic thoroughly? Did I understand the technology that was required? As I stood in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher, my phone binged. The message read, “I thought you might enjoy seeing the sunset tonight.” What a gift! I stopped and stared. How could the sky produce such a vision? It was as though the vista was on fire with glory. “Pay attention,” my soul said. “This is what matters. All will be well.”

It’s a message I need to hear this month, too. The news is filled with painful stories of people hurting people and angry words. It is heart wrenching. Sometimes it is easy to feel afraid for the future. Ten days ago, we welcomed another granddaughter into our family. When I am fearful about what is happening in the world, I worry about what my grandchildren and their generation will face as they grow up. But glory sends another message. Glory says, “this is what matters, focus on beauty and love. Be a light for others.”

Many years ago, The African Children’s Choir held a fundraising concert at our church. The children and their leaders spent the day rehearsing as we hosted them for meals and organized the sanctuary for their concert. I loved hearing their music float through the church as they practiced, danced, and laughed. Later that night, they ended the concert singing “Let Your Little Light Shine.” Everyone was clapping along with the children as they filled the sanctuary with a moment of glory. Their songs and their joy brought light to each of us.

There are many ways to be a light in the world. Each day has some kind of opportunity if we keep our eyes open and are gracious in our awareness. It’s helpful to have a song or a prayer that refocuses our attention when we get caught in our own agendas and issues. Some years ago, when I was volunteering at an interfaith gathering, a Muslim friend of mine taught us a prayer. Over the years, it has become a central part of my day reminding me to encircle myself and others in Holy Light. I thought you might like to know it, too.

O Gracious One, illumine my heart with your light.

Let my ears be light and my eyes be light.

Let there be light on my right and light on my left. 

Let there be light above me and light below me.

Let there be light before me and light behind me.

O Gracious One, make me a light.

May your week be blessed with light and glory and may you be a light in our world.

Deep peace to you,

Susan