Anchor UP
“Lent is a time to renew wherever we are in that process that I call the divine therapy. It’s a time to look what our instinctual needs are, look at what the dynamics of our unconscious are.” – Thomas Keating
“O lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.” – Henri Nouwen
Well this is certainly a Lenten season different from any other in our lifetime. The world is upside down, on lock down and tipsy turvy to say the least. What we’ve anchored ourselves in the past has been uprooted.
Trying to understand, to predict, to plan is out of our control in this moment but will come in due time. So rather than wallowing in consternation, chaos and confusion, do the opposite. If you want to coil up and stay in, get out. If you want to keep everything in motion, stop and rest. It’s difficult to explain the unexplainable of these rare days. Go deep, enter the quiet and anchor up. Settle into the unexplainable, mystery and waiting time.
Rather than running/wandering at our usual meeting spot today at Como, four of my running group friends met up (6 feet apart) in St. Paul for a new adventure through the beautiful brick-laid streets of the Summit Avenue area – historic and beautiful, past Garrison Keillor’s home and the James J. Hill House. Up and down stairs, hills and then wrapping up at the beautiful Cathedral of St. Paul.
Gazing up at this phenomenal holy architecture, this sacred offering, puts it all in perspective. The cross rests firmly on the top pointing our eyes up, reminding us to anchor up, to keep the faith. Tomorrow is the 5th week of Lent – desert time filled with more waiting, patience and anticipation. Easter is two weeks from tomorrow and most likely won’t be celebrated in church followed by a family gathering – the first time ever. This year, we must be Easter people in our heart, soul and spirit.
The desert is always followed by the oasis so keep going, stay hopeful and hold tight amidst the solitude, wandering and the unknown. It’s going to be more than alright. Anchor up.
