Tangled Sun
Tangled Sun
SHORT VERSION
Why does the Sun rise so quickly but set so slowly? Maku asked grandpa.
It’s so excited to get into the sky and start the day that it rises quickly. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t want to leave the sky to the Moon and stars so it delays.
It talks to eagle,
speaks with hawk,
converses with owl,
and argues with sparrow,
chats with nutcracker,
prattles at blue jay
and gossips with raven
It jabbers with squirrel,
gabs with hummingbird
and yaks with rabbit
And along the way, got tangled in a tree.
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LONG VERSION
Why does the Sun rise so quickly but set so slowly? Maku asked grandpa.
It’s so excited to get into the sky and start the day that it rises quickly. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t want to leave the sky to the Moon and stars so it slows down.
Every day tree would say good morning to Sun But Sun never paid attention being in such a hurry. The other animals also wanted a chance to talk to Sun. But Sun was always so high in the sky and never heard their pleas. Tree grew tall reaching high into the sky but it wasn’t high enough. So long ago Tree noticed sun slowing as it went down and set about to make a trap. Over a long time tree weaved its branches twisting them this way and that.
And invited the animals to sit in its branches and wait for Sun to set.
So on the way down Sun became tangled in Tree.
And now talks to eagle,
speaks with the hawk,
converses with owl,
and argues with sparrow,
chats with nutcracker,
prattles at blue jay
and gossips with raven
It jabbers with squirrel,
gabs with hummingbird
and yaks with rabbit
Unsettled
I find myself unsettled by this image. It’s chaotic. It’s tumbled. The light is everywhere. My eye is drawn to a million little swirls. It’s in motion; even as a photo. It’s not peaceful but I find it comfortable. It’s life right now.
I like this comparison. Things are on edge. And it reminds me that the world is everchanging. We would like so much to just relax and be at peace. I find myself longing for such things while at the same time realizing that it will never come. So should I live in a perpetual state of waiting for a future that will never occur? I’ve thought about this often. I think about how life moves so quick when I’m anticipating tomorrow. Time moves much too fast in the future. I’ll do this when that happens. I’ll travel when I have more money. I’ll take a vacation when all my work is caught up. I’ll write after I finish this. I’m tired, I’ll take photos when the weather is clear.
Last night I thought the weather would clear for some comet and moon hunting. The Moon was a beautiful crescent with amazing earthglow. This was while I was driving but by the time I got to my shooting destination, the clouds had crowded in. It never got any better. And I found myself OK with that situation. I tried. I got out there to do a thing.
Life is in motion. I realize that. I acknowledge that. I sit and enjoy all the little swirls; the tiny details. And I relish in that attention to detail. The world seems to be on fire right now and in the middle of all of that…in the little moments…there is incredible beauty. There is an order to things. In all the worldly disorder, I find that in my day to day things are just fine.
I stay on the path. I fight the good fight. I am at peace. I see waves crashing; hair on fire. I see a surface in agitation with wind patterns showing this and that. And me, just below the surface, I’m in flow. It’s the only place I can be.
Drumbeats
And the sky became like sparks
from a faraway fire.
Lit from a million suns,
the smoke drifted up the sky
On the gust of wind,
I could hear the whisper of drums beating out lost stories
of a simpler, magical time
Prayer – January 27, 2019
Creator God,
You are here. Thank you for your bountiful provision; for providing a safe place to gather and worship; for bringing together your church. I need to leave behind the tumultuous week. I need to leave the world and rest in your love, free of burdens and worry. For a moment, today, I pray we can release the shackles of the everyday and revel in your glory. You know our hearts. Calm our minds for you sent Your son to walk with us, to teach us and to die for us to free us. Thank you for Your grace. Renew our spirits, recenter us to your love through song and story and remind us that we have a place with you forever.
Amen
Closing Prayer – January 27, 2019
From something I read this week…
become totally attentive to God…. Allow that mountain, that tree, allow God to absorb you completely. Give attention, passionately, intensely, look and listen completely.
Gracious God,
We love You. Fill us up, completely Lord. Make us overflow, a love overflowing. Give us wisdom in our meeting. May Your will be done. I pray that we stop despairing. Through Jesus, Youve made us perfect. There’s good news everywhere. Strain ahead. May we offer you praise in all we do. I pray we go out into the world this week glorifying You in all things.
Closing Prayer – December 2, 2018
I want to share a psalm with you; to propel you through the week.
from Psalm Chapter 40 Verse 3 the KJV
And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Be the light of the world and have a great week
Prayer December 30, 2018
Gracious, loving God,
Every day, there is no question of your abounding love. It surrounds us in the beauty of the season, the sunrise, the dark night skies and the friends around us. Let your love overflow through all parts of our lives. We pray for healing for Lisa, Steve, Betty, Dick and Gary. And bless this offering today. I pray you put in our hearts a constant reminder of the grace you shower upon us; that we open our minds to ways we can help each other and the community. That we give and glorify You unceasingly this week. We pray this in your name,
Amen
Opening Prayer – December 2, 2018
Dear Jesus,Thank you for all your beauty. It really shines this time of year. Thank you for providing a free place to worship without fear. Thank you for an abundance that comes from your overflowing love.
There was a time when I relished the buildup toward Christmas. With all the holiday lights, Christmas songs. snowflakes. I looked forward to time with family. I still look forward to these things but it seems to come all in a rush. I have to shoehorn time with you. You are the greatest gift to us. A sign of great love. Help prepare our hearts for Christmas this season with your holy spirit. Let it wrap us like a blanket. Bring us closer together and more importantly bring us closer to your son. You are the grace and strength; the food that fuels our day. Lead all people together this season. As you taught, help us welcome the foreigners among us. You are the light of the world and can dispel all darkness. I ask us to take a moment now to center our hearts and minds on You, on your good news and on the teaching today.