Journal of Sacred Work

Days 55-56 The Descent Home

Ireland 2011 (2)Note: Shared by Liz Wessel

This is a beautiful dream offered by James Finley (via Richard Rohr, The Center for Action and Contemplation) 

Imagine that you have a dream in which you are climbing a high mountain. The valley below is where you grew up, where you experienced pain and made many mistakes. You are trying to transcend and leave this place by reaching the summit on which, you will be sublimely holy and one with God.

As the summit comes into view, the wind rising from the valley brings with it the sound of a child crying out in distress. You realize that there is no real choice but to go down the mountain to find and help the hurting child. Turning back, you descend into the valley. Lee -Starling

Following the child’s cries, you arrive at the very home you tried to leave behind.

You gently open the door and look inside. Sitting in the corner on the floor is your own wounded child-self, that part of you that holds feelings of powerlessness and shame. You sit down next to the child on the floor. For a long time you say nothing. Then a most amazing thing happens. As you are putting your arms around this child, you suddenly realize you are on the lofty summit of union with God!

A dream  of healing and transcendence!

I’ve heard is said that our greatest wounding is also our greatest strength.

Meditation or contemplative prayer, as Finley describes this practice is the gateway to our coming home.

Photos by ~liz
Ireland, 2011
South Dakota, 2016

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12 responses to “Days 55-56 The Descent Home”

  1. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    This piece resonates deeply with me. I lived for 72 years with my Brother Ronnie, who had many challenges, notably deafness, aphasia, autism, and an inability to speak. I loved him very much and though it hurt not to be able to make things right for him, still, as the years flowed on, I began to realize that Ronnie would have a full life, and he actually earned a paycheck, in sheltered work settings, for more years than me!
    Ronnie’s courage and native intelligence, though never spoken to anyone, was demonstrated, in his insatiable curiosity about everything he saw, touched, or tasted. And from living with Ronnie, I have always been extremely grateful for all of my God-give health, stamina, and wide range of life experiences, and certainly for my ability to speak whatever I want to whomever I want, as I see fit. Thank you God for Ronnie, who overcame life’s challenges and added so much to so many peoples’ lives!

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  2. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    wow, beautiful!!!

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  3. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    What a gift. Thank you Liz for sharing the fruit of James’ meditation.

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  4. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Hi Terry, thank you for sharing about your brothers life and the impact he had on your life, as you must have had on his as well. Ronnie must have inspired many by the way in which he lived and embraced life. God bless!

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Hi Julie, thanks for continuing to journey with us. I hope all is well with you!

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  6. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Yes, I loved the analogy of a dream Finley offered to describe the experience of meditation; not to run or strive for something more anymore but instead to turn around, listen, to sit and be present without judgement.
    Thanks Maureen

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  7. Jolyon Avatar
    Jolyon

    Meditation or contemplative prayer. James Finley and Richard Rohr. Two about the One. Both are expressive and expansive with the language of Love. Both of them I found out about here, in the Journal. I find this place to be also a Journey of Sacred Works.
    I truly appreciate the stories bought to us today by Liz and Terry. Both adding to our satchel of memories to hold dear. I sometimes wonder if the reason why parents look forward to being grandparents is so they can reread all the stories of childhood again. See the wonder of the story come alive again in words. Experience the imagery books can bring to a young child. For my wife the stories were from Beatrix Potter. My favorite was(is) “The Story of Ferdinand”. Appreciating nature and slowing down to smell the flowers. This past week I was working on a new fence to protect some underground water lines at the nearby monastery. Many of the people that drove by said what an incredible amount of work that I was doing. It was not work, it was fun! Sitting outside in the sun surrounded by bees, bunnies and birds. And flowers! Yes, Ferdinand, I stopped and smelled the flowers… Thank you for the reminder…

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  8. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    Thanks for your kind words Liz! Yes, Ronnie was a most unusual person and I am much the better for his life. Interesting, that difficult challenges, if dealt with over time, often have personal growth and development interlaced within the painfulness!

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  9. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    So true, Terry, Love manifests in our most difficult challenges and teaches us along the way.

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  10. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    This is a beautiful reflection, Jolyon, thank you! One thing I’ve noticed of late is that I am telling stories about my parents to my son. I wish I had written down all the memories that my parents shared with me, so I could look back at them as if photographs etched in time.
    My mom loved Beatrice Potter, as do I. Did you see the wonderful movie about her life on Netflix?
    The service your offer to your community of truly life giving to others and to you. Thank you for your gift.

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  11. Chapman Health International Avatar
    Chapman Health International

    Your essay and two remarkable photographs offer such a transcendent experience, Liz. Thank you so much for this uplifting essay!

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  12. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Thank you, Erie, I am truly grateful for your comment.

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