C h a d J a r n a g i n + Songwriter. Artist. Creator of @LuminousProject.

Home

A Walk Blossoming by Jack Gilbert

CategorizedBlog

There is something beautiful and life giving about great poetry. Giving ourselves permission to be inspired isn’t something most of us would say we need to do, but that’s exactly what we do when we expose ourselves to poetry.

Enjoy this piece from Jack Gilbert.

The spirit opens as life closes down.
Tries to frame the size of whatever God is.
Finds that dying makes us visible.

Realizes we must get to the loin of that before time is over.
The part of which we are the wall around.
Not the good or evil, neither death nor afterlife but the importance
of what we contain meanwhile. (He walks along
remembering, biting into beauty,
the heart eating into the naked spirit.)

The body is a major nation, the mind is a gift.
Together they define substantiality.
The spirit can know the Lord as a flavor rather than power.
The soul is ambitious for what is invisible.
Hungers for a sacrament that is both spirit and flesh.
And neither.

No Comments ›

Love Mercy (Kindness)

CategorizedBlog

I walked into a coffee shop last week where my gleeful mood soon changed to frustration and sadness. As I stood in the back of the line I was witness to two acts of “barista abuse”. The first, an older man in a suit ready to take on his day, evidentially wanted a warm up before getting into the ring at his office. He began to express his opinion on the barista’s attitude and competence. The second offender, a younger lady in yoga gear. She started off with a very short attitude over the ordering process. In my opinion, the lady didn’t know how to order the drink that she was attempting to order… but she continued the venomous interaction. My guess is, this barista didn’t wake up that morning longing to have her human competence questioned.

Needless to say I was over the top with kindness once it was my turn. I did my best to apologize for the two humans before me.

This bothered me all day. I don’t know what was going on the lives of the two customers in line ahead of me, but I was jarringly reminded of our fragility, and the importance of kindness. By the end of the very same day, I am certain I had failed in my own opportunities to be kind, loving, and even encouraging. In an effort of full disclosure, I am aware of how I operate when in a focused state. I tend to zone out and even respond with short / blunt comments (if I respond at all) so that I can “get work done”. Ask my co-workers or my family. I’m not proud of this.

There is a time and a place for blunt truth and critique. I believe this. However, no one tends to receive truth when delivered with no love. Some people revile in being jerks, or for being known as someone who doesn’t pull any punches.

Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams, In ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, But to do justice, to love mercy (kindness), and to walk humbly with your God? -Micah 7-8

When taking this portion of Scripture to heart in action, it can act as a filter to our attitude and awareness.

What if I said I knew one of the 2 persons who were the abusers of said barista? What if either of those abusers were you or me? What if we were the barista?

God give us patience, peace, and self-awareness as Your Kingdom come on Earth.

 

4 Comments ›

I’m a con artist…

CategorizedBlog

If I’ve led you to believe that I know it all, I am a con artist. When I ever lead you to think that I am good enough on my … Read More →

2 Comments ›

How do you see yourself?

CategorizedBlog

This is a great message and campaign for Dove. Well done. How do you see yourself? — View Post →

No Comments ›

Musings of stillness and being genuine.

CategorizedBlog

For those who know me, you know this is a “flag” I’m waving these days. Sometimes I lament the fact that I find myself so extremely busy. With the email, … Read More →

No Comments ›

Good Friday

CategorizedBlog

Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week and may … Read More →

No Comments ›

Saint Patrick

CategorizedBlog

Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me … Read More →

No Comments ›