Divine Double-Dipping

Dear Reader,

It's been one of those days that makes you sit back and marvel at the mysteries of life and faith. As I write this, the house is quiet, and I can't help but reflect on the incredible ways I've seen the Divine at work lately.

Remember how we used to think about spirituality in such simple terms? It was all about going to services, saying the right words, doing the right things. But lately, I've been experiencing something so much deeper, so much more profound. It's like there are two different yet interconnected ways that the Divine touches our lives.

First, there's this inner presence. It's hard to describe, but it's like a warm light inside, a constant companion that brings peace even in the storm. I felt it so strongly when I got that call about Dad's health scare when all the stuff started with him. In those moments of panic and uncertainty, there was this calm center within me that I can only attribute to something greater than myself.

But then there's also this external force, this power that seems to come upon us in moments of need. It reminded me of what happened at the community center a few years ago back home. We were organizing a fundraiser for the Johnson family? Everything was going wrong - the caterer cancelled, half the volunteers got sick, and the venue had double-booked us. I was ready to throw in the towel.

And then, it was like a switch flipped. Suddenly, I had this surge of energy and clarity. Ideas were flowing, problems were solving themselves, and I was speaking with a confidence I didn't know I had. People later told me that my words inspired them to pitch in and make it all happen. In that moment, I felt like I was tapping into something beyond myself, a strength that wasn't my own.

It's fascinating, isn't it? This interplay between the inner essence and the external empowerment. I've been thinking a lot about how these two aspects work together in our spiritual journey.

The inner presence seems to be about transformation - slowly changing us from the inside out. It's in the quiet moments, the small choices, the gradual shift in perspective. Like how I've found myself becoming more patient with the kids, or how I'm learning to find joy in the mundane tasks of everyday life.

And then there's the empowering force that seems to come upon us when we need it most. It's not always dramatic, but it's unmistakable. It's in those moments when we surprise ourselves with our own courage or wisdom. Like when I finally stood up to that bully at work, or when I found the right words to comfort Sarah after her breakup.

I wonder how many times we miss these moments? How often do we attribute them to coincidence or our own abilities, rather than recognizing them as sacred encounters?

As I look ahead to the coming weeks, with all their challenges and opportunities, I feel a sense of anticipation. What new facets of this divine presence will I discover? How will I be changed? How will I be empowered to impact others?

I guess what I'm trying to say, dear reader, is that we're on an incredible journey. Our task isn't just to go through the motions of life, but to be aware, to be open to these two beautiful ways the Divine moves in and through us.

So here's to tomorrow, and all the days after. Let's approach them with open eyes and an open heart. Let's nurture that inner flame and be ready for those moments when we're called to be more than we thought we could be.

Until next time, Chaplain Mark