Like many today, I practice my faith naturally; quietly, I step outside and enter the book of nature, the first book. I go to the church of Bow River, Elbow Falls, Big Hill Springs; I’m greeted by sister Willow, cousin Maple, and brother Balsam, and by a trembling but wondrous assembly of Aspen. I kneel in moss among the northern ferns and lift my eyes to the conifer boughs, through to the greenish blue of a patterned sky, and say, aloud,
Ah yes, all is church, given to us- the wonders of His world with its infinite variety, and community with its fallen fevered masses, all given to teach and somehow, by way of miracles, heal us.
I have trouble with the religion of my childhood, that taught that only "we" had the Truth. I, too, now find my religion in the elements of creation. Every line of this had me nodding: yes. That is so. Thank you!
Thanks, Steve. As I began to read, I was mentally preparing a gentle, pastoral, elder brother response to your church in the wildwood until I came to the end and found myself among those splintered souls, that regardless of the splinters, still form a community of those who have heard themselves being named.
I still consider nature the first book of "scripture." Romans 1.20. But thanks for reading to the end, Sam. Happy to hold, with you, some kind of membership in the shoddy, not-yet "kingdom."
Ah yes, all is church, given to us- the wonders of His world with its infinite variety, and community with its fallen fevered masses, all given to teach and somehow, by way of miracles, heal us.
Thanks for this thoughtful response, Marcia.
I have trouble with the religion of my childhood, that taught that only "we" had the Truth. I, too, now find my religion in the elements of creation. Every line of this had me nodding: yes. That is so. Thank you!
I'm truly grateful that this connected with you in this way; thank you for letting me know.
Lovely — May we all be constantly searching out whispers of eternity.
In spite of us, Welcome Steve! I.N.Glick
Thank you, Ike.
I like that, thanks, Edward!
Love this Steve! Thank you for your refreshing perspective once again.
Thanks so much for this, Kathleen.
This is excellent.
Thank you!
Yes, the gift of beauty's apprehension, so aptly said dear brother x
Thank you, dear sister.
Thanks, Steve. As I began to read, I was mentally preparing a gentle, pastoral, elder brother response to your church in the wildwood until I came to the end and found myself among those splintered souls, that regardless of the splinters, still form a community of those who have heard themselves being named.
I still consider nature the first book of "scripture." Romans 1.20. But thanks for reading to the end, Sam. Happy to hold, with you, some kind of membership in the shoddy, not-yet "kingdom."