O Lord of Melons

In the morning light two seekers sat in the stained colored dew lights of the new day and prayed. As was their custom they gave thanks for all they had and shared all they had, oatmeal, peaches, yogurt, and cinnamon. Today will be a day unlike any other. Their hearts transformed by their sharing and with life given in their praise, they went onto their days at peace with the metanoia that had transpired in their simple meal together. Over the years these two had become brothers, just as the tree had become their sister, and the life all around them had become very much a part of them. An odd way to consider all the life giving creation around them family. As these two friends departed from each other, they felt lifewaves of the great spirit sounding through them and knew that these waves were meant to be shared, to let others know that they were indeed beloved.Wake up world from your daylight sleep, let your dreams replace what you perceive as truth.

Seeing the world through gratitude is something so often forgotten. How can I forget to be grateful when there is such a beautifully simple moment of true friendship right in front of me?

Metanoia. As conversion runs through my bones and change happens in my soul, I see with new eyes the moments that need to be responded in and with so much gratitude.

Here are a few:

Hearing the lifeline of a dear friend and mentor

Being present to the passion a friend has when he plays his instrument for God

Reflecting on the possibility of a moment of time that has been in prayer for

A realization and confession to move forward

Feeling at home amongst a body of friends and strangers

Continuing to try because they see something incredible about someone else

Making the time to play, especially when we are supposed to be "serious"

Cooking and eating, together

Catching up on the phone

Hearing amazing news and stories, and being just as excited if not more than the person who delivered it

Finally, I'll end with a poem my friend Shellie Ross shared with us in the Academy for Missional Wisdom

Climbing Toward You

By Mary Oliver 

Every morning I want to kneel down on the golden
cloth of the sand and say some kind of musical thanks for the world that is happening again--another day-- from the shawl of wind coming out of the west to the firm green
eaten, its chill and ample body
flavored with mercy. I want
to be worthy of--what? Glory? Yes, unimaginable glory.
O Lord of melons, of mercy, though I am
not ready, nor worthy, I am climbing toward you.

flesh of the melon lately sliced open and