Wishing all brightness and light in the coming year...
OK. So the photo I’m using in this blog isn’t really from today, New Year’s Day 2012. It’s a shot taken of the field around our house from a week or so ago: You know, the last time we saw the sun in this neck of the woods. I’m using the photo today, the first day of our new year, to make a point: I want to be upbeat and rarein’ to go as we enter 2012 and I hope you do as well. Oh, I could recount all the bad stuff that impacted the Munger Family in 2011. But you know what? Like my buddy Dave Michelson (a smart guy, one I usually listen to) says: “We Americans, no matter our politics or our economic station really don’t have much to grouse about when compared with say, Columbia (a country Dave’s done charitable work in).” Dave’s right. That’s why I ‘m using a photo with the sun prominently displayed in this article. I’m hoping that I catch Dave’s optimistic mantra: Let the little things slide and devote your energy to family, friends, and God; the things that really matter.
Right now, as I type these words in my writing studio overlooking the field depicted in the photograph (but facing north, towards the Cloquet River), I’m mindful that my “little” sister Annie has been concerned about me. Mostly since the shooting in Grand Marais. Concerned enough that, as part of my birthday/Christmas present, she enclosed a small statue of the Buddha in the package. The little figurine now stands next to my iMac. Dwarfed by the big white machine, the replica holy man stands no more than two inches tall, fashioned from some synthetic material to mimic natural stone. He’s not much to look at but I am intrigued by the Buddha and his Noble Eightfold Path, a path which the Buddha claimed would bring an end to personal suffering:
Right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha)
Fairly simple. Sort of reminds me Jesus’ Beatitudes: Though whereas the Buddha’s words turn one inwards, towards the self, the message in Matthew’s Gospel is more worldly, more “other directed” if you will:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(See http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A3-12&version=NIV )
I re-discovered the Beatitudes while working on my historical novel, Sukulaiset: The Kindred. The story is set in Finland, Estonia, and Karelia (Russia) during the Great Depression and World War II. There’s much angst and pain and loving and dying in the book thus far: Pretty grim stuff in spots. So when I needed a bit of light, a bit of spiritual uplifting in the tale, I turned to Matthew and once again fell in love with Christ’s words. Alexis Gustafson (a character reprised from Suomalaiset: People of the Marsh) is the instrument through which I re-introduce myself and my readers to the Beatitudes: As wonderful a passage of scripture as has ever been written. I’m hoping that, as one of my own personal petitions for 2012, I am able to keep my fingers on the keyboard and find out what happens to Alexis and those she loves. We shall see.
Back to the main theme of this piece. My sister, sweetheart that she is, wants me to rub the Buddha’s belly “for good luck” whenever I feel the need. As a Christian, I know that’s akin to idol worship; something that’s been frowned on since Moses blew his stack over the golden calf. Still, what harm can it do? I mean, despite my pal Dave’s admonition that “we Americans have it pretty damn good”, who couldn’t use a little luck or grace or divine guidance? Am I right? So, I’ve been rubbing the little statue a bit and praying a bit more. Not only selfish petitions (like the one about my manuscript); not only pleas for myself; but also requests for peace on Earth, good health for my family and my friends, and healing for those who are troubled and in need of love.
Does God hear me? Is He or She moved to action by my small, distant voice?
Perhaps: After days of faux winter, fluffy white flakes have begun to fall outside the windows of my sanctuary, covering our field in a blanket of much needed snow. A bald eagle (a year-round neighbor because the Cloquet River stays open all winter in front of our house) just drifted into view beneath the thickening squall, gliding effortlessly on a heavy wind. Watching the graceful bird, I find myself asking another question:
Is the eagle a symbol of good luck as my Native American friends believe?
I tend to think so. It’s a talisman that’s worked for me in the past: I’m hoping that’s the case today and that God is indeed paying attention.
Here’s to hoping that your 2012 is as glory filled as the waning sun in the photograph at the beginning of this essay.
Peace.
Mark
