Square Pegs

September 11th Prayer

As people around the world remember the events of September 11th, here on Guam this year's Chief Selects are participating in the September 11th remembrance ceremony.  I know the events of that horrific day touched everyone differently, so I just wanted to share the prayer prepared by ITC (SEL) Toby Matlock here on Guam in remembrance ;

"Dear Heavenly Father,

We are gathered here on this difficult day to remember for all nations; those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Yet, the memories are still painful, we ask you to comfort those who mourn the lost of their love ones on that terrible day.

We pray we might become better a people and help make the world a better place. Thank you for the heroes, who are in distance lands that you will bless and watch over them as they have and are still making sacrifices for a common good for all men, women, and children around the world.

Heavenly Father, heal all those who were hurt and lives broken on that day. May they come to experience your presence and know your peace.

Amen."

A Season of Balance

"...the Spring and Autumn Equinox is observed as the six-day celebration the Higan-e. It is celebrated for three days before and after the Equinox. Six days was chosen because it is based on the six perfections, giving, observance of the precepts, perseverance, effort, meditation and wisdom - needed before one goes from this shore of samsára to the further shore or nirvana. The literal meaning of Higan is 'other shore.' The ritual includes repentance of past sins and prayers for enlightenment in the next life. It also includes remembrance of the dead and visits to the family graves. It is thought that the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, being the most temperate times of the year, are ideal moments to reflect on the meaning of life."

- William Duby, "The Fall Equinox", at http://www.celestia.com/

Fall equinox has many names around the globe; Alban Elfed, Autumnal Equinox, Cornucopia, Feast of Avilon, Festival of Dionysus, Harvest Tide, Higan-e, Night of the Hunter, Witch's Thanksgiving...but no matter if you are Druid or Christian, Buddhist or Chumash it all boils down to the changing of a season and the the progression of time.

Today is the fall equinox in Japan, and the graveyard behind our house has been full of visitors remembering and honoring their ancestors.  I just finished my 3rd quarter at school, and I've been anxiously awaiting John's return.  I've found myself quite on edge recently with stress, so I decided to embrace the multi-cultural spirit of the fall season and am engaging in a two day fast and re-centering exercise to let go of all of the stress, tension, anxiety and anger I've felt in the past 4 months...make that over 2 years of dealing with the 7th Fleet.   While my particular fast is Christian centered and focuses on prayers for spiritual discernment, spiritual guidance, and serenity through faith; I'm also incorporating meditation through yoga, incense aromatherapy, and breathing exercises.

My goal is to be as centered, accountable, and reality based as I can when John comes back and as we work towards securing our next duty station and recovering from 7th Fleet emotional trauma.  The autumn equinox has coincided this year with great personal change after a grueling, unforgiving 2 years and 10 months bound to the USS Stethem.  While I may not be trying to move to the 'next shore' towards Nirvana, I'm just trying to get my husband back to this shore where I'm waiting and eager to embrace him.

Timing is Everything

When I was growing up in Hillsboro, OR I went to church every Sunday with my family.  Having grown up in and around churches for the majority of my life, I've gotten to see some great things and some not so great things that churches can do, but more than anything, during those year, the building blocks, the foundation, of my life was constructed. 

As I sit here reflecting on the past several months of my life, and even the past year or so, there is one phrase that keeps running through my head- " In God's timing".  When I was young, it seemed that this phrase was used to quiet small children and impatient adults when they talked too much about something that they wanted.  Often times it was used in a dismissive way or to end a tedious conversation.  For example, perhaps there is a young man or woman in the church who is struggling because they want to get married, yet it's just not happening for them, often times people could put the kibosh on listening to their woes by spouting off with "You will find your mate- its all God's timing".  It is disturbing that such an impactful and meaningful statement is used in a dismissive way.  What does that mean exactly- "In God's Timing"? 

I can't say what it means to everyone, but what it has come to mean for me is that yes, sometimes you do have to wait for things until God places the right circumstances in your life, however, more importantly, to me it is a demonstration of grace.  There have been times since coming to Japan that I feel that I have been on the ragged edge and amazingly something will occur that gives me a glimmer of hope- that hope comes from God's timing.  Just recently there was an instance where someone that I love more than anything was at such a low point, continuing down their current path seemed impossible.  Suddenly, like the calming of a violent storm, an unexpected opportunity presented itself that gave this person new focus and re-newed faith in themselves.  How can this be chance or something as random as good luck?  It's God's timing.  There are times that events unfold in a way that totally surprises and confuse us, but can change our lives in the best way, some call it good fortune, but in my eyes, it's one more example of God's timing.  We won't always understand or appreciate what we feel is God's timing, however, sometimes initial disappointments can result in even bigger joys; it's all a matter of timing.  Who better to rely on for the timing of your life than the One holding the universal stop watch and eternal calendar, and how comforting it is to know that One loves you and wants to see you succeed.