The effort we put into developing a deeper relationship with our divinity is really a lot like renovation. Our spirit gets a bit shoddy around the edges, and we have to enter into a process of "repair." Be sure the substrate is sound, scrape off the old paint, sand it smooth, apply a shiny new coat--then bask in the wonder of how good it all feels--until another face-lift is needed. Though our spirit is always in us, it is never static. We can never assume that it is just right. There is always room for renovation and change. Our relationship with the divine only becomes stronger, and will be longer lasting if we are willing to see our job as being the on going renovation of the soul.
I was speaking by phone to a friend in Montreal today. She speaks great English, but occasionally stumbles over a word or two. At one point she said she was trying to "renovate" for the medical community in Montreal. What she meant to say was "innovate." We had a good laugh about that. It was, I would say rather more profound than humorous. Now I'm not a big believer in soul, at least not in the standard Christian context that makes the soul into a kind of surrogate being that can do such interesting things as ascend into heaven and the like. I see the soul as the essential spirit that resides in each of us and that becomes the true reflection of who we are when we allow it to do so. The spirit is always there, lurking in us someplace. The question is, how do we manifest it in our everyday life?
The effort we put into developing a deeper relationship with our divinity is really a lot like renovation. Our spirit gets a bit shoddy around the edges, and we have to enter into a process of "repair." Be sure the substrate is sound, scrape off the old paint, sand it smooth, apply a shiny new coat--then bask in the wonder of how good it all feels--until another face-lift is needed. Though our spirit is always in us, it is never static. We can never assume that it is just right. There is always room for renovation and change. Our relationship with the divine only becomes stronger, and will be longer lasting if we are willing to see our job as being the on going renovation of the soul.
4 Comments
GIL
5/11/2011 06:40:20 am
Ben . . . Nice piece of thinking/writing. I'm inclined to believe that the soul can be nourished (renewed?) in a lot of ways (recreation . . . re-creation being one of them). For me, meditation seems to help restore and mend my soul (as long as I am not holding onto "outcomes" too strongly).
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9/30/2012 10:06:27 pm
Hi! Writers’ view point is extremely convincing on the related issue of the renovation. I like the accurate facts and details provided in the post. Very well written.
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Joanne
5/11/2011 09:42:28 am
I love this piece, Ben. Thank you. You have put into words so eloquently and simply what I believe.
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9/30/2013 04:29:39 pm
Interesting thoughts, just wanted to mention I came from Google.
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Rev. BenI am an Interfaith Minister. My ramblings are primarily random thoughts, and commentary on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. See more on the ABOUT ME page (above). Archives
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