Monday, June 6, 2011

What big cities can't give us!


I used to live at the doorstep to a couple big cities. San Francisco, Portland and Antwerp in that order. I love what they offer in terms of activities, creativity, architecture and opportunity. Did you know that Tokyo has 32 million people in one city! Talk about a sea of life and dynamic potential!
But whenever I leave the city and head for the hills or the sea there is something in me that opens and breathes free. I'm not usually conscience of this until my car or bike leave the city limits and then something like a tight balloon releases. I don't totally know why this is. But cities tend to reflect the works, power and ability of man. The country and wilderness reminds us of where we've come from and the vastness of the one who has made all those creative beings in the first place!

As many times as I have seen mountains, trees and waterfalls I never tire of them. It all tends to draw me in. Deep calls to deep as my father says in his book. What is deep inside of us rarely comes out in most circumstances in life. But sometimes our emotions get touched by a song, a film or a story. Other times we are drawn by some mystery that we hardly understand in the midst of our day. The deep and timeless One calls for us to come and join in. But fear and the need to control the outcomes of our lives keep us from entering into a life we are called to. How can I break free and enter in? How can I join the one who has a love that is never ending and never failing? Much like my little trips out of the city, it is acting both on impulse and plan. In these "weekends away" you begin to explore those foggy beaches and see the peaks more clearly behind the clouds. The mystery is still there but you have become more familiar and allow your heart to open. It is much less analysis and much more experiencing that takes place because the One we're opening up to is personal versus other. And this person is good. I encourage you to begin this journey. Stay open and expectant for the unexpected!