Small Props

I want to do a better job of embracing the everyday stage as life’s drama plays out, especially the small easy-to-overlook props (in theater productions, the physical things used to create a scene) that quietly help define the minutes and hours allotted to me.  To respond to them with gentle perceptions disciplined by grace.

For example, there’s something poetic and maybe profound about noticing a weeping-willow-type plant with tiny white flowers in the hospital corridor yesterday.  We passed it quickly, and yet I was drawn by its flexed plastic boughs - fake by any standard, hardly the epitome of natural elegance, and yet graceful.  They bent low with a sort of reverence, crying quietly and steadily with teary buds transformed into little starry explosions of floral delicacy.    

I’m still thinking about this.

Simple awareness that recognizes goodness shining through such props (natural, artificial, or even broken ones) is a form of refined tranquility that draws from deep wells of tender meekness before God. It is a gift, and yet also a secret art developed by hard work not unlike athletic training.  Spiritual athleticism.

The difficulties and hurdles endemic to humanity (as seen reflected in the facial expressions of some individuals at the hospital yesterday) can challenge us to succumb to pain and struggle, exhaustion, and overwhelm.  But they also can be seen as gymnastic opportunities to practice exercising our deepest hearts - using resistance bands of repentance, and weights of faith in the Almighty, to generate humility, acceptance, patience, endurance, and expectancy.    

Hesitation, vanity, pain and preoccupation can get all balled up into a giant wad of opposition that disables our awareness of simple props like those silk flowers in the hospital’s hallway. It’s easy to miss such seemingly insignificant sources of inspiration.  However, divine mercies that enable discipline, courage, gratitude, love, and attentiveness can mysteriously open and heal the soul, and give our hearts eyes to see such small sparkles of encouragement….everywhere.