May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of His hand. Irish Blessing

I purchased a copy of this blessing in 1996 on a choir trip to England with my mother and daughter. The blessing hung in my house in Texas, in Baltimore, in our townhouse in Alexandria, and now here at Vanaprastha. 

Wind, sun, rain—all featured at Vanaprastha in the past few days. But in the blessing, wind refers to the Holy Spirit; the sun’s warmth to God’s mercy—because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven Luke 1:78 NIV; rain symbolic of God’s provision, for nothing can survive without rain. His favor, grace, and blessing.

The wind, sun, and rain, I face upward, inward, and outward in his presence; I show my face to others; I face up to mistakes.

Face up, in, and out

Before and after the service yesterday morning, I visited face-to-face with those who had contacted me in the past two weeks, via text, email, or cards. FTF offers more opportunities to express our thoughts and feelings. To thank others for their prayers, those gentle winds at my back.

In biblical terms, one’s face reflects our identity and character. Faces are perhaps the most important aspect of communication in establishing relationships. One’s face can also represent one’s prestige, honor, or reputation. 

As in saving or losing face.

Face others

It was a great pleasure to show my face at church yesterday morning after two weeks away and to read the Word of the Lord. While reading Paul’s words in Galatians 5:1, 13-25, I sought the face of Jesus Christ. As pastor said during Bible study, “We exist to sow the gospel.” Yes, we earn a living to take care of ourselves and families, but true purpose to glorify His holy name. 

Our worse fear: that God’s would hide His face in displeasure or judgment. 

Our greatest blessing: relationship and communion with God, the revelation of His glory.

Face mistakes

Yesterday, I did not play as well as I would have liked; mistakes fell like rain drops. So, I noted the places in the score for next time; maybe I can correct those trouble spots. A good metaphor for our relationships, with God, with ourselves, and with others. Assess, note, correct. 

But sometimes, rain pours down on us. Two weeks ago, I went in for routine day-surgery, which I expected to “ace.” By the end of the week, after a hospital stay, trip to the emergency room, and office visit, I just wanted to “pass the class.” To recover, I needed to admit my mistake: I thought I had this “rainstorm” under control, that I could go through surgery with little or no change in routine. Instead, I needed to pay attention to that sweet spot between getting around enough but not too much.

And embrace humility.

That gentle wind, warm sun, soft rain on my face.

Linkup with Five Minute Friday