Spirit Alive is a weekly blog that looks at different aspects of mission and ministry throughout the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference and beyond.

December 22, 2015

With Heart, Soul, and Mind

Holiness in a Single Word

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:1

Sometimes less is more. Perhaps this is why the exhausting commercialization of Christmas simply doesn't ring true within our spirits.

Words matter, and sometimes we use too many of them. I'm often guilty of this.

The ancient Japanese tradition of haiku can provide a breath of fresh air within us and create a moment for the mind to stop and the heart to open. It is said that to appreciate haiku you must not rush the words. As Margaret McGee writes in her book Haiku-- the sacred art: A Spiritual Practice in Three Lines: "As a listener, it's your job to simply be present with an open heart and hear what's offered." Good advice when contemplating the gift of "the Word made flesh" as well.

Consider these words from one of the pioneers of American haiku, Raymond Roseliep:

birthcry!

     the stars

     are all in place

Blessings on your journey,

Lowell

Spirit Alive is a weekly blog and email by Rev. Lowell Greathouse, Mission and Ministry Coordinator for the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference. It seeks out where the spirit is alive in our congregations and communities.