It is noticeable that much of Jesus’ teaching was gleaned from, or based on, his environment. He spoke of shepherds and builders; vines and bread; fishing, and farmers. Did these ideas just pop into his head at an opportune moment, or had they grown over time, out of his own observations? Perhaps these images had developed into stories or metaphors as he spent time alone with God or as he walked from place to place. I wonder if this is why he felt it was important to to suggest to his listeners that they ‘consider the lilies of the field?’ (Matt 6:28) It suggests to me that he’s not just talking about a passing glance but more than that – have a think about, dwell with, let an idea develop. What might this look like for us? And why does Jesus mention it in the context of not being anxious?
I have become increasingly aware of late of the power of touch and how this enables, for me, what Jesus might have been suggesting. Taking time to connect physically with something is a very practical way of stopping, noticing, considering. For example, there are plenty of primroses around at the time of writing. I might glance at them as I pass them by – indeed sometimes there is only an opportunity for a glimpse. However if I have the time, I can choose to focus on their beauty as I pass, to look for a moment or two. But to really engage with this delicately stunning flower, I find it helpful to take the time to touch, to gently caress and concentrate on the silky softness of a petal. To gently turn it over and feel the underside of its leaves, perhaps to close my eyes and simply be aware of it between my fingertips. This can take just a few moments, although I endeavor to stay as long as I am able. It feels like considering.
In that moment I have not just stopped and connected, but everything about me has become irrelevant. My hopes, dreams, desires, prejudices, faults and strengths have, as it were, evaporated. They have taken a back seat to my sense of awe and presence. They are obliterated by the wonder of the created which in turn links me to the creator. I have ceased to worry.
I didn’t stop in order to realign my priorities, neither did I step aside in order to ‘stop worrying’, but in the action I have known peace and connection. Could this be something of what Jesus meant?
These moments can be small and seemingly insignificant, yet as part of a lifestyle aiming to learn where I belong and to recognize my place, they have become part of the tapestry that makes up who I am. Each moment precious.
And so very very simple. Why has connection with the divine become so much more complicated than this?