between storms

between the storms today, i caught some signs of spring. but not just any signs of spring; these are the places where meditation and silence come together. they are the places where depth can emerge into the the present moments.

these are the places where the spirit can meet the spirit!



not far off from the busy and travel hum of highway 99 is an oasis where prayer and meditation meet the beauty of nature . . . and it is just steps away from my office!


the location?



the united methodist church of merced . . . who knew such beauty and peace was in the midst of trucks and cars, and school bells and children playing?! tucked in the midst of this is the flowing stream of healing water.

but here between the storms in this season of lent, the quiet comes. the spring flowers are budding, and the birds are singing. in the midst of struggles and uncertainty, this prayer garden is the perfect place to breathe deeply in the spirit, to quiet the spirit within.

so often our inner spirit can become toxic with the sounds of chatter, the emotions of stress, and the confusion of uncertainties. the prayer garden invites a respite to breathe in the spirit of quiet, peace, and simplicity.

one does not have to look far for the place of the calming spirit. a place to sit; focused attention; the cleansing breath.

these are the ingredients for prayer. the 'right words'? there are not really any words that god can't hear. an emotional sigh, a fit of anger, the dry words of 'nothingness' ~ the spirit hears and comprehends.

Jesus had all those emotions and more. there isn't a thing we bring in prayer that will not be understood. our fears . . . our discomfort . . . our pains and joys . . . our desperation and confusions . . . the spirit of god cuts through all of 'that' and heads for our heart, even when we may reside in our head!

on the other side of town, often where locals and visitors alike get confused about which 'yosemite' is the one they want, resides our newest high rise; the center of healing; the place where prayers are lifted in various languages and faith traditions ~ believers, seekers, and skeptics alike ~ another fountain is found. at mercy hospital, a dancing fountain, greets visitors. pressure points cause the water to spirit and recede, like our emotions as we wait for news of loved ones from caring staff. we struggle with those emotions. the sound of water can soothe the weary soul, and present a moment for renewal. another oasis. between the storms of crisis and 'the news', this fountain can be a gift of grace.

we never know where we will find ourselves as the storms of life begin, rage, and dissipate. finding a moment to connect our spirits with the spirit can be a place, not only of healing, but of renewed energy and clarity.

where do you find your space for communing for peace?

if no such place comes to mind, maybe you could take a journey in the days to come . . . utilize our prayer garden or explore some sacred space near you -- it might be in your home, or in your neighborhood, or somewhere within your community. if the journey begins with only one step, what might be holding you back?

finding your place of peace sounds like a healthy investment of energy between the storms . . . .