Monday, September 12, 2016

Why is this Spiritual Rambler Blogging?

I used to get into trouble for rambling, but it did no good.  

I was a rambling teacher-  easily tempted onto a byway.  I might begin with the Bible and end in art history or modern physics or [of course] politics or- who knows? -  the symbolism of sunflowers or 40 ways  to cook eggplant.   Not that I ever end: there's always another conversation.   

I mention the Bible because I'm a preacher- a United Church of Canada minister,  to be exact.  So  I work with the Bible or it works with me almost every week .  But not as you might expect.  I would not fare well in a Bible Belt.

So I confess: yes, I am a rambler, and a spiritual rambler at that.

But there is a place for rambling: rambling in the sense of walking for pleasure,  often as the Merriam-Webster online dictionary suggests,  in the countryside.   In England rambling through the countryside is encouraged: enjoying public footpaths,  having ready access to green spaces,  taking a picnic lunch.   In Canada- my home most of my life- you will find walking trails, perhaps in parks and historic sites,  perhaps in [lamentably]   disused railway beds.   

Admittedly most  outdoor ramblers are  following a path- or at least have a path in mind.    However such paths are designed not only to bring you to a scenic destination.  You are meant to enjoy the journey, observe your surroundings, take each step attentively,  be in the moment without asking “ Are we there yet?”

Physically, I've been known to follow paths- in my own time and my own way.   Spiritually,  I often feel as if I'm making my own path.  Inevitably though, my path meets the path of others, at least for a time.   I delight in  those I meet along the way.      

If you  travel with me awhile, you may find yourself rambling through a physical landscape, an intellectual one, a spiritual one-  perhaps an imaginary one.    For me they all connect , wondrously.    

Why am I inviting you along?   Perhaps my eclectic travel notes will inspire you to explore far horizons-  perhaps they will help you take a fresh look at what's around you, with "beginner's mind" - perhaps they will reassure you that you are not alone.   

 Next time, I will introduce myself a little- as any travelling companion might.  Then,  who knows  :  the ramblings of an explorer, a mystic,  a writer, a liturgist,  a poet, a spiritual guide, a theologian.  a still-hopeful seeker of justice and peace?       

Perhaps I will hear from you also: what are your paths?  what horizons do you glimpse?   What do you see along the way?  


1 comment: