Tags
Buddha, Christ, compassion, grace, Hawaii, loneliness, Oahu, Pali, soul, spirit, spiritual companion
(Photo credit: Steven Davis, Pali Lookout – Oahu, Hawaii, March 18, 2009)
A Room Made Holy
The drive over the Pali doesn’t distract me as I had hoped.
The State Hospital looms large, like a guarded estate
perched on the verdant Hawaiian hillside.
The burdens I carry on this self-imposed day of reckoning
are no less formidable—a marriage lying in ruins,
a heart dashed against the rocks, an aching loneliness.
Why would anyone want to listen to another lost soul?
Indeed, I have tired of my own complaints.
Surely God must be weary of me as well.
Where does a minister go to unburden himself?
Who will pray for me when my own prayers
are strewn about like so much brittle lava?
Who will utter words of my acceptance into the human race?
Who will walk beside me while sorrow slowly yields
to the promise of God making a way in the wilderness?
I knock and a man appears at the door.
He is expecting me, and invites me in.
I reveal to him my desolate spirit, my God-forsakenness.
His eyes are a reflecting pool of compassion.
The room becomes holy—my chair an altar,
the icon of Christ a window into grace,
the Buddha on the floor a reminder to let seriousness go,
the former priest my spiritual companion.
We sit among the questions and do not worry about answers.
One thing is certain–the fire nearly went out.
So I fan the flames of my spirit-fire each day.
It is all any of us can do.
It is enough.
Words (c) 2007 Mark Lloyd Richardson, reflecting on an experience in 1999 while living in Hawaii
Photo: I am grateful to Steven Davis for giving me permission to use his photograph that I discovered on Flickr. You can also find his photos at http://www.stevendavisphoto.com.
dreamprayact 
Very authentic and nice Mark!!
Thank you, Reno. I appreciate your visit and your comment. Mark
I loved your compassion and honesty, Mark, and listening to questions, not worrying about the answers…sometimes, just listening is key, right? The photo is beautiful and brings back memories when I was there and I also know a Steve Davis, a close friend of our family, but he’s not the same Steve, obviously…. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Lauren, Thanks for your kindness. Yes, I too value questions. They keep me honest. They remind me of my vulnerability as a human being. They encourage humility. Thanks for your comment. Peace, Mark
Beautiful … the level of vulnerability expressed is inspiring. Thank you.
Thanks. I appreciate your kind words.
I agree with Lauren that just listening is sometimes the greatest act of compassion you can do to a friend.
Very true. By listening to one another, we give a valuable gift! Thanks for your comment, Cynthia.
Your writing is incredibly wise and eloquent Mark! You continue to amaze me. Everything here moves me… that his eyes were a ‘reflecting pool of compassion’ and that your chair was like an altar… and to ‘sit among the questions’ and let the answers come in their own time… truly profound. This is a gift to give us all, from your 1999 growing experience. Thank you so very much for sharing it. Blessings, Gina
Gina, You are a blessing. I can tell you are a lover of words and the meanings they convey. Peace, Mark
Dear Mark, you had asked me if I would let you know when I launched my new blog, and I wanted to share the good news that I’ve taken the plunge, so to speak 🙂 I would be honored if you would like to visit sometime, at http://peopleexcitedaboutcoexistence.com/ ~Love and Light, Gina
Thank you for allowing us to see into your experience and to learn how to find light in the midst of darkness.
What we have to offer one another as human beings grows out of our experiences, so I’m glad when my words connect in some way with others. Thanks for your comment. Blessings, Mark
I really miss your reflections and contemplative spirit, Mark. It’s what I liked best about you. May God bless you with it for all eternity!
Thank you, Marsha. I think of you and your family, and pray that God’s healing comfort and peace will continue to be present to you all. Blessings, Mark
god will never tire…even our distress is life, i think god is ever patient and fascinated 🙂
Yes, I hang on to those truths too.
Beautiful. A balm for the spirit.
Thanks, Linda. I’m glad it spoke to you.
We sit among the questions and do not worry about answers – Loved this.