Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Yesterday was another magnificent day full of gentle, subtle brushes with the Divine, so subtle that they so easily could have been missed, but a quiet and centered place of awareness allowed me to feel and hear the gentle touches and whispers of the one worth listening to.

It was our last day in Philly and once the girls were settled with their friends and off to the zoo with a group, I packed and then made my way out for a walk.

There are no lack of homeless people on the street. Beggars, pan handlers, those affected by both circumstances and their own lousy choices. But isn't this all of us? Aren't we all shaped by circumstances (how often do we see them as opportunities?) and our own choices, some made too quickly and without quiet contemplation and guidance. One reaps what one sows. This is true, and there are consequences to poor choices, and for some people it means life, or at least a period of their lives, on the street.

I walked past yet another one of these unfortunate souls, who rattled his cup at me as I passed him. I don't like giving money; my friend the other day proved to me that beer and being drunk prior to noon was the top priority. But I paused to ask if he was hungry.

"Yes, oh yes" came the reply, and I saw a glimmer of hope and life in his eyes.

"Well, I won't give you money, but I will get you something to eat."

And I continued to walk, went around the block and into the corner market where I purchased a large cup of hot coffee and a blueberry muffin and returned.

He looked surprised and his eyes lit up. I wonder if he really believed me when I paused and told him I would be back with food.

I continued on my walk and walked past Christ Church, the oldest church in Philly at 11, just as the second worship service was about to begin. That became my destination, and I heard God's voice through the message, about following God's plumb line which is always accurate despite what may be visible to our eyes. A wonderful and encouraging message.

But then came the true delight. A used bookstore across the street, where I just "knew" I would be able to purchase a copy of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a story from my youth that I was recently reminded of.

Of course I remembered the book, I just didn't remember the story. It was probably wasted on my youth, but rang true to where I walk in life at the moment, and I am grateful to the one who reminded me of this as a word of encouragement.

"We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly." (pp.30-31).

Isn't that wonderful? To be free? No guilt, no shame, no blame, no condemnation and the ability to learn to fly at greater heights and speeds. Why stop at flying, why not soar?

So I invite you to fly and soar to newer heights with me.

Peace.