Moon

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." - Buddha

Have you ever spent much time thinking about the sun? The sun in itself is pretty remarkable. Amazing. Without the sun, life wouldn’t exist as we know it. When was the last time you looked at the sun? When was the last time you looked at it without any special filter between your retina and its rays? Maybe on a cloudy day, if you squint just right you can get a glimpse; but still its hard to look directly at it. But that’s okay. Its okay because the sun is full of energy, as a source for life it serves its purpose. Its giving… constantly.

The sun does have a counterpart. Just like every match made in heaven; the sun has its perfect mate: the moon. The moon isn’t quite like the sun. It doesn’t radiate with energy but gives back in an entirely different way. In relation to how often you look towards the sun, with what frequency do you gaze at the moon? The moon demands our attention through mere existence. It captures us in its mysterious shapes and sizes. We have traveled to it and walked on its surface. It gives us opportunity to react with it in an entirely different way. But how? It does this by reflecting the Sun’s energy. The moon, in a sense, acts as a mirror; reflecting back the rays of light in a manner which we can enjoy an otherwise distant object. The combination of the two allow us to experience so many different things, yet by themselves seem less exciting.

So when I think of who I am and how I’d like to be… I choose to be like the moon. I want to reflect and give back to those around me. I want to give in a way that can be interactive and exciting. Not to be a wall others bounce off, but to absorb their energy and give it back; sometimes reflecting in ways that bring new perspectives and possibilities. I can be the life of the party and brighten a room, but I don’t do it by outshining others; I do it by engaging others and vesting in them. Understanding, listening, and allowing them to be captivated through reciprocation. The moon is an object that does all its work by simply being available. That availability creates an excitement in its own right, and allows for others to continue to gaze up to the sky with anticipation. We look forward to it, track it, and invite it into our lives. Why wouldn’t I choose to be like that?!

Affirmation

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death. ~ Robert Fulghum

While in church yesterday, I had somewhat of a realization. I realized while singing, that I was not only in worship but in affirmation. (Some of you reading are thinking, “well...duh!” but I had never put it into that framework before.) An affirmation is an action or declaration a person may make in relation to conscience. Many of us daily will constantly make affirmations to ourself. Most of them are unconscious while some have purpose, either way they continue to affirm the things we believe - whether we want to or not.

Among other things, music does that for us. Affirms our beliefs, our ideas and our feelings on a certain topic. The reason certain lyrics speak to me in worship is the same reason others will be welcoming when I’m experiencing a broken heart. Think about it, if only for a moment, music is one of the few mediums that can change our mood in a matter of moments, regardless of our activity. Think about the music you listen to when you’re running, or doing something active, or when you’re trying to stay awake when you find yourself driving a car late at night. Now think about the music you listen too during dinner, or winding down, studying, reading, or perhaps when you’re sad or upset. The music will reaffirm a feeling we desire to feel. Now you’re thinking who wants to feel sad, why would we want to revisit that particular state of being? Maybe you’re recovering from some great love affair, maybe you’re remembering a lost friend or family member, maybe the song reminds you of an old pet. Listening to the song may bring some longing, but it also reaffirms that the time spent with that person was one worth remembering. A moment yesterday where time vested was worth the sadness you may be experiencing today.

So what does this mean for me? It means that I must create a thicker filter. Not to keep myself from experiencing sadness, but one that ensures growth, one that leads to positive experience. I’m not just referring to music and the songs I listen to, but also the environment I find myself spending my time. If our thoughts have an unconscious impact upon our lives, I want to ensure that mine will be productive and positive. Today I must take steps that will promote the growth God has in store for me.

Lost Lyrics

There's a song out there somewhere. Its gotta be, but tonight its escaping me. you know when you experience something that immediately puts you in a place of celebration, you jump in the car and there is this desire to find a song that fits the moment. Well, tonight I had one of those experiences, and tonight I could not find the song. I wouldn't go as far as to say it was extraordinary, other than the fact that it was out-of-the-ordinary, it was something special.

In other exciting news, I'm back online and back from Sturgis. Both seem equally exciting on my part--so funny how we rely so much on the internet. Someday maybe I won't, but lately it feels as if I've been trudging through barren desert, seeking out my own personal oasis. And today, I've found it! And today I'm sharing! I miss you all.