This past Easter morning, a small group of us gathered around pink and white tulips, stretching up with gladness, candlelight flickering and, just as we began, the sun rising up over the horizon. I wondered if my heart could hold any more and, then, was quite sure it couldn’t. We each lit a candle, Ye are the Light of the world (Matthew 5:14),were baptized, Create in me a clean heart O God (Psalm 51:10),and received the gift of flowers, The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds has come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:12).
And, we were glad.
Easter awakens us to rebirth, new life and beginnings. Still, at one point during our celebration, I was suddenly surprised to feel the presence of my new space there with us – a smaller studio space I’ll officially be moving to this summer. I instinctively knew that the Beloved had something special to share with me. So, when we returned home, I knew I was to go over to my new space to do my spiritual practice. It felt important that this be the very first activity to occur in the space, a kind of special welcome, as well as a necessary preparation for what was to come.
But the space is not even cleaned up yet, my mind protested. But, my heart said, go. And, so I did. Off I went with my cushion, mala, rosary, music and shawl. As I sat there in the center of the room, I scarcely noticed the dirty floors and paint peeling off the walls. No, instead, I found myself looking out the two long windows at the clear blue sky enjoying just the faint sound of cars and activity outside. And, my heart smiled. Don’t know exactly what You have in mind for this space Beloved, but I know it’s going to be good. Feels right and important to have come back to “the oval”, back to town, like somehow it means Your ministry will be closer to the people. Is this what You had in mind, Beloved? Thank you for my little sparrow’s nest up here on the second floor. Feels perfect…like a kind of launching pad for flight…of Your sparrows singing…and of Your work beaming, beaming out, unencumbered, to light the world, far and near. Yes, how perfect.
And, of course, it is April as those blessed mountains of Yours have been waking, dancing, bursting, splashing around pure glory all month. Yes, we sparrows know, from the great poem by ee cummings, how the pretty birds frolic as spry as can fly…for it is we who quiver so you and so i…and sing as we dive to the heart of the sky…Yes, we sparrows know when all Your blessed mountains are dancing; are dancing…
And, just when I couldn’t fathom any more unbridled delight…
Your presence touches me beyond my understanding…and I feel your Grace settle over me…and I know Your eye is on me…
Your lil’ sparrow…
And, oh, how my heart sings!
Happy Spring, Everyone!
Stephanie Rutt 