This month's Spiritual Journey prompt is provided by Linda Mitchell, who posted her own thoughts here.
When Linda told us the crux of our prompt would be "heart", an earworm immediately wriggled into my thoughts.
These lines seem so apropo right now:
"These times are so uncertain
There's a yearning undefined
People filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age?
Ah, the trust and self-assurance that lead to happiness
They're the very things we kill, I guess
Oh, pride and competition
Cannot fill these empty arms
And the work I put between us, you know it doesn't keep me warm
I've been tryin' to get down
To the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore"
Songwriters: Don Henley / John David Souther / Mike Campbell
The Heart of the Matter lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
(I took liberties with a switch in the stanzas)
The heart of the matter...Valentine hearts, decorating the library, going out into the mail soon, posted on doors and social media.
The heart of the matter...forgiveness and grace in this pandemic. A stern glance of disagreement, instead of a shout. A tongue held, instead of rebuke. A comment erased, before hitting "post".
These days, my heart is weary, seeking solace in quiet predawn hours, at midday during unmasked lunches and virtual read-alouds in my office, afternoons birdwatching through my kitchen window. There is the joy of interacting with curious children and the teachers who care for them. There is the peace of a good night's rest, after listing thoughts of gratitude before sleeping.
Moments of solace, joy, and peace coexisting with constant heaviness. That is where my heart is at on this spiritual journey.
What a fun song to remind each of us what is important - I didn't even need to listen to it, because I was immediately singing along! But, I did listen, yes, with delight. Honestly, we each need to chorus his line "We all need a little tenderness" - yes, indeed. I so relate to all the emotions that are coexisting in you...so much at once. Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maureen, for singing along, and for relating to the conflicting feelings. Here's to more grace and forgiveness for us all!
Delete"The heart of the matter" is an insightful thread to follow. I appreciate your repetition throughout your post. Your final paragraph gave me pause. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth--and thanks to great lyricists like Don Henley. I'm glad I prompted a reflection.
DeleteOh, goodness, yes. Weary. Aren't we all weary? I'm so glad you have people and places you can find some solace. I went right back to memories of birds outside my grandparents kitchen window. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda, it was good to read your post, too, to know I'm not alone in this mixed up, weary heart. I'm glad my post prompted happy memories for you!
DeleteThanks for reminding me of this oldie but goodie song. It's all about forgiveness. I love how you tell students about "heart books". I'm going to adopt that phrase.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret! Heart books is the best way I know to tell a student that a book they picked out may elicit strong emotions; sometimes forewarned is forearmed.
DeleteChris, I'm glad you are finding some moments that feed your heart in the midst of these heavy days. I pray for an easing of fear, for carefree days, for smiles to be unmasked. Thank you for focusing on forgiveness and grace, and for handing out books that tug at hearts.
ReplyDeleteKaren, those moments are becoming increasingly more important as we trudge on through this pandemic. I'm working on making my library collection relevant windows and mirrors for my scholars and learning community!
DeleteTrust you to get to the heart of the matter and speak to it so clearly, Chris. I celebrate this idea of guiding students to choose "heart books" to pull on strong emotions - it is story that moves the world, that ties our heartstrings together, that reminds us of our common humanity and our need for one another. Forgiveness and grace in this wearisome pandemic that has fractured and frazzled us so. The current backdrop of Valentine hearts reminding us it is time, it is always time, to love - and exercising restraint instead of lashing out. in the end, I think it is all a matter of perspective and constantly giving oneself constant wisdom checks...and the gratitude before sleep ushering peace. All timely, needed reminders. I'd not have thought of this song but it is perfect here; I know it and have loved it well, and it is indeed an earworm! Thank you for everything here, Chris. Here is to the heaviness lightening.
ReplyDeleteSome of those "heart books" are in question here in Texas; here's hoping we are not faced with challenges to remove them, because their stories are so very important. I am focusing more on what I can control--wearing a mask, monitoring my mental and physical health, concentrating on work and rest and reading--and that seems to help. A Lenten break from social media will do wonders too, I'm sure.
DeleteChris,I am sorry that I am here so late but life events have not given me the opportunity. The opening lines in the Henley song above also spoke to me. I never heard the song before so I listened. May your "Moments of solace, joy, and peace coexist without constant heaviness. i wish you well on your heart journey. Refresh, renew...
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