are you careful
and troubled
about many things?
one thing
one thing alone
is needful
seek God first*
this can’t be taken from you
let your ministrations
be by angels
tending to your hands
your heart
your every thought
every task
a benediction
every action
reflecting Love
—Joni Overton-Jung
*See Matthew 6:33
just be still now
i will lead you out
of this abyss
“all the wicked endeavours
of suppositional demons”*
can never change
the clean that you are
the pulsing precious
irrepressible purity of you
the darkness cannot find you
pristine witness
clothed with the sun**
warrior of undaunted light
the world moves
but it cannot
move you
joni overton-jung
say not i am a child*
perched on precipice
raw, bare, unfinished
caught between wondering
spotted open mouthed
clinging to the air
say rather
i am a child
child of wonder
child of light
no unfinished urgency
no reckoning to reclaim
just
magnitude
of heaven’s hands
etched, sung
in specific song
joni overton-jung
*Jeremiah 1
what a thing it is
to discover
that you were never ever
in a day
responsible for
the revolutions
or distributions
of the world
(you,
sweet witness)
step aside
behold
the
steady
hands
at the helm
divine Love
“kindling the stars,
rolling the worlds”*
the whole world
(and you)
minutiae to magnitude
in Love’s everlasting
loving arms
joni overton-jung
I love this poem by Mary Oliver. She has such a way of condensing light, as if the writing itself is a baptism, where poet and reader emerge swept clean.
“When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
Last week I looked out my window after a wind storm, and my two gorgeous, lyrical willow shrub trees were flat on the ground. I ran out there to find that they had not broken, but were bent at the bottom where the stakes ended. They were literally flat on the ground but not broken, split, or strained. I propped them up, got new stakes, secured them upright. There were no complaints. They moved willingly. They offer their blossoms with joy.
At the church service mentioned in my last post, a baby named Aislyn was being baptized. She was such a peaceful baby, and you could feel the community’s love surrounding her. The pledge to support her journey through life, brought to mind Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, where he tells him that we must be born again: “Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.” John 3, The Message
I was moved by the love, commitment and vision for this child: baptizing, washing her in the light of Christly love; grounding her on the rock of faith. It’s something to see an entire church community stand up and together pledge to watch over, guide, and love this baby throughout her life.
It was a joy to share in this child’s baptism; it was a reminder of what a difference it can make to nurture, love, and stand up for the good in others. To see the community around us in God’s light, and to love it.
I’ve always loved how the teachings of Christian Science define baptism as a “Purification by Spirit; submergence in Spirit.” (Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy) It’s given me a sense of the nearness of God, the ever-present availability of redemption, and the nurturing presence of Spirit to cleanse, purify, refresh, and restore my every moment.
Coupled with Ainslie’s baptism, I have a deepened sense of how much we are all continually immersed, cherished, watched over and held in the infinite love of God. Our awareness of this brings peace both for ourselves and the people we meet everywhere. Oliver puts it so perfectly:
“Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
I’ve long been a fan of William Stafford’s poetry, so it was a delight to come across one that was new to me in an email from a friend.
Next Time
Next time what I’d do is look at
the earth before saying anything. I’d stop
just before going into a house
and be an emperor for a minute
and listen better to the wind
or to the air being still.When anyone talked to me, whether
blame or praise or just passing time,
I’d watch the face, how the mouth
has to work, and see any strain, any
sign of what lifted the voice.And for all, I’d know more — the earth
bracing itself and soaring, the air
finding every leaf and feather over
forest and water, and for every person
the body glowing inside the clothes
like a light.
the words usher
me into
this next time
air expands
drops
rises
warms
opens
the space between around beyond
all moments
portals
of presence
right where
the hands of time
clutch
push
threaten
right there
the world breathes
with unhurried stillness
and calls your name
someone once said
“you have plenty of time
if you don’t hurry.”
plenty
of
time
stop counting
plumb
moments
proceed
from, into, with
not towards, past, by
this time
not next time
stand
lean
into
the deep arms
of here
and feel
everything
you seek
rise up to greet you
only this time
you see it
know it
feel it
no difference
between
being,seeing,giving
one
“I have a world of wisdom and Love to contemplate, that concerns me, and you, infinitely beyond all earthly expositions or exhibitions. I earnestly invite you to its contemplation with me, and to preparation to behold it.” Mary Baker Eddy Miscellaneous Writings
“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
I don’t get to see my brother often, but what I love is how space is no keeper of the life between us. It is a rich, growing, soulful giving that often speaks for long stretches in silence, and then out of some deep blue bliss comes words ringing through the air, putting names to thoughts felt but not rendered. He is a poet and song muse of the deeper runes, and I love his kindness. So this is an ode to my brother, little brother, always towering before me.
He sent me a mix of songs recently. This one by Bill Callahan was included:
“I love my mother
I love my father
I love my sisters, too.
I bought this guitar
To pledge my love
To pledge my love to you.I am a rock bottom riser
And I owe it all to you
I am a rock bottom riser
And I owe it all to youI saw a gold ring
At the bottom of the river
Glinting at my foolish heart
So my foolish heart
Had to go diving
Diving, diving, diving
Into the murkAnd from the bottom of the river
I looked up for the sun
Which had shattered in the water
And pieces were rained down
Like gold rings
That passed through my hands
As I thrashed and I grabbed
I started rising, rising, risingI left my mother
I left my father
I left my sisters, too
I left them standing on the banks
And they pulled me out
Of this mighty, mighty, mighty riverI am a rock bottom riser
And I owe it all to you
I am a rock bottom riser
And I owe it all to youI love my mother
I love my father
I love my sisters, too.
I bought this guitar
To pledge my love
To pledge my love to you”
and so for all
rock bottom rising
rock bottom risers
fallen
falling
surprise landings
abrupt bedrock beneath
sudden stillness
hush
then
always
inevitable launching
unlikely propulsions of grace
rising rising
involuntary
rising
Love will not spare
boundless outpour
divine pledge
nudging us to
trace the dark passes
for dawn breaking light
spilling us upward
lives offered
up
cacophony of love
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“These two words in Scripture suggest the sweetest similes to be found in any language — rock and feathers: “Upon this rock I will build my church;” “He shall cover thee with His feathers.” How blessed it is to think of you as “beneath the shadow of a great rock in a weary land,” safe in His strength, building on His foundation, and covered from the devourer by divine protection and affection. Always bear in mind that His presence, power, and peace meet all human needs and reflect all bliss.” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings
the other day i got news that a friend’s daughter had passed on. so i sent a note, and this was part of the letter that came in return:
“The ospreys are crying plaintively. They seem to understand.”
everything in me had to rise up to hold back the sea of sorrow. then i came across this poem by Mary Oliver:
Count the Roses
Count the roses, red and fluttering.
Count the roses, wrinkled and salt.
Each with its yellow lint at the center.
Each with its honey pooled and ready.
Do you have a question that can’t be answered?
Do the stars frighten you by their heaviness
and their endless number?
Does it bother you, that mercy is so difficult to
understand?
For some souls it’s easy; they lie down on the sand
and are soon asleep.
For others, the mind shivers in its glacial palace,
and won’t come.
Yes, the mind takes a long time, is otherwise occupied
than by happiness, and deep breathing.
Now, in the distance, some bird is singing.
And now I have gathered six or seven deep red,
half-opened cups of petals between my hands,
and now I have put my face against them
and now I am moving my face back and forth, slowly,
against them.
The body is not much more than two feet and a tongue.
Come to me, says the blue sky, and say the word.
And finally even the mind comes running, like a wild thing,
and lies down in the sand.
Eternity is not later, or in any unfindable place.
Roses, roses, roses, roses.
there is nothing like poetry
just nothing like it
when it comes to carving out the spaces of our hearts
to find a place to breathe
to hear
to know past knowing
to grasp the things
so far beyond
our grasp
and then there they are
hovering ever so softly
in the midst
opening inner eyes
to glean
to glimpse
life
timeless
never not present
none of us
missing
diminished
cut short
but shining out
in sharp relief
our reference
our Source
compelling
life
on eternity’s
terms
“not later
or in any unfindable place”
but dawning up
from the very midst
breaking through the winters
of grief
to see our lives
whole
and holy
in ever tender
illuming
glances
ushering
ushering
ushering
each other on
the air
resonating
its all presence
all accounted for
all conscious
of being
forever
loved.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” Luke 24
“O come and find, the Spirit saith,
The Truth that maketh all men free.
The world is sad with dreams of death.
Lo, I am Life, come unto Me.” Elizabeth Adams
“May the great Shepherd that “tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,”
and binds up the wounds of bleeding hearts, just comfort,
encourage, and bless all who mourn.” Mary Baker Eddy
There’s something about a good poem…that captures the very life of things; holds it like an offering in mid air, mid breath; and at the same time releases it, wings beating, rising, soaring…
It’s like meeting an old friend. No need for explanations. The words find their meanings without being held there. And yet in some way, they hold you, but never bind.
Words are alive if we allow them to be. They have a way of ushering us towards the deeper meanings, the impetus for truth. On the first page of her book Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy writes: “The time for thinkers has come. Truth, independent of time honored systems, knocks at the portal of humanity.”
The book of John speaks of the living word:. “In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God.”
The word, the living word, urging upon us its searing beauty, meaning, essence and worth. Taking us further into the frontiers of our own lives. True words always have a way of pointing us in the right direction, they cut to the heart of it, speak our name, sing out a welcome, they say here you are, all along, here, you are here.
Here’s to living poems, living words, everything about us coursing to the light.
One of my favorite Christmas albums is the The Rankins “Do you Hear What I hear.” They sing a gorgeous version of Jesus Christ the Apple Tree. There’s something so sweet, joyful, hopeful about it.
The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit, and always green
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared to Christ the apple tree.
For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
‘Tis found in Christ the apple tree.
I’m weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest awhile;
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the story of Jesus’ life, his birth, and the people surrounding it–thinking about how many things in life happen in quiet and unexpected ways and yet come with the power, vision, and divine impetus to bring great change to our lives. And how often they come in such understated, silent impulses that we second guess or dismiss them. Whether in hindsight or right in that moment, ultimately we realize their significance–that intuition, insight, the deep knowing within us comes from a pure and holy place, the sanctuary of Truth, the still small voice of God right in the midst, reaching out, propelling, revealing, embracing, awakening.
This is what is so significant about the story of Jesus and all the individuals involved: they got a message, and though initially scared, stunned, uncertain, bemused; they listened, paid attention, responded, followed. And as a result, their lives took on a meaning and purpose they, and perhaps no one, could never have imagined or expected.
Mary Baker Eddy speaks of about Mary’s experience in this way: “The Holy Ghost, or divine Spirit, overshadowed the pure sense of the Virgin-mother with the full recognition that being is Spirit. The Christ dwelt forever an idea in the bosom of God, the divine Principle of the man Jesus, and woman perceived this spiritual idea, though at first faintly developed.”
This poem by Lucille Clifton is one of a number of poems she has written about Mary and Jesus.
mary’s dream
winged women was saying
“full of grace” and like.
was light beyond sun and words
of a name and a blessing.
winged women to only i.
i joined them, whispering
yes
So what of us in this perhaps uneventful moment of our lives? What divine impulse is whispering? What sweet purpose are we being nudged towards? What great goodness is waiting to dawn or emerge? What songs of angels are singing? What truth is calling? What deeper justice rising?
What happened in a stable so many years ago, holds its promise of truth for this hour: a promise of spiritual being, a Christly holy nature, an opportunity to discover innocence, redemption, restoration, joy and peace. This is a promise we can reach for right now, it is one with the quiet light and hope so deep within us–waiting to be cradled, nurtured, noticed, honored, trusted and lived. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see…and glorify…”
This is the light that radiates, warms, lightens and lifts. We can trust it. As we do so, it will change everything. It will change the world.
joni overton-jung
A Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher in Port Hope, Ontario, with an office in Toronto, I am available to help people around the world by working with them remotely and by one-on-one visits at my Toronto office.
905.885.6328 (Canada)
617.939.4713 (US cell) voice, FaceTime, and text
Skype: joniovertonjung
WhatsApp: joni overton-jung
© Copyright Joni Overton-Jung 2017
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