The Way It Is
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.—William Stafford
The Thread that runs through all that is, for me, is an apt description of Spirituality. And to not let go of the The Thread is the work of spirituality, which requires the important practice of “Intention.” Whether it’s listening in the quiet of centering prayer, seeing The Holy in the eyes of another, listening to the wind in the trees or the song of a robin, The Thread gently weaves itself through it all. I can choose to be in the moment, to see the gifts of the Divine, or I can choose to be oblivious and miss the gift of the moment.
Where is God—everywhere! The quiet of centering prayer gives me moments of Presence that I take into my day. With intention, I see The Holy in the eyes and goodness of those around me, both in laughter and in tears. Spontaneous prayers of gratitude or intercession float through my days. Nature fills me with awareness of the beauty and gift of life and earth. But that deep desire to connect with the mysterious Presence that is everywhere present can be so easily missed if I am not intentional.
Each day, we are beginners on the spiritual journey. Each day we begin with open hands seeking to be aware, to have eyes and hearts to see all that has been gifted to us. It is all gift—gift that calls us to relationship with all that is, calls us to Holy Mystery.
Don’t let go of The Thread.
—Carole Butz