Interconnectedness

One of my favorite pastimes is to focus upon the manner in which all things are connected. It seems we naturally gravitate to groups, organizations, clans and nations.   When in school, we form inner circles based upon our affinities and proclivities.  Even in nature everything is related or connected. Constellations, rock formations and rivers which form from melting mountain snow and flow into great lakes or oceans are all examples of connected relationships.  These things happen so seamlessly we often don’t realize that they are occurring.  The Mississippi just flows. We don’t think about the fact that it begins at the base of a mountain and ends at an ocean. It is easy to ignore the interconnectedness of all things.  When we are involved in our daily routine, it is easy to ignore the presence of God and how God is connected to all things.  It is as if the presence of God is so close to us that it is too hard to see. On some days, I am fortunate enough to see the interconnectedness of all things quite clearly.  Those days are marvelous and beautiful.

We are all part of the One True God. We are all connected to each other. The universal energy flows within us all.  Sometimes we are in rhythm and we are able to observe and use that energy. Other times we are not and it passes right through us for naught.

It is easier sometimes to ignore our connection with God. However as the great boxer Joe Louis once declared, “You can run but you can’t hide.”  The story of Jonah and the Whale exemplifies that phrase.  God told Jonah that he wanted him to preach his word to the Ninevites.  Jonah was afraid of the responsibility so like most of us, he shirked it.  Yet every time Jonah ran from his destiny, the universe sent him back.  When Jonah thought he had finally made his escape to the sea, he was thrown from a ship by sailors back into the sea and thought he was going to die. As we know, he did not drown and to his surprise he was swallowed by a whale.  Well I am sure he thought he was really going to die at that point. Yet the whale did not kill him. When Jonah realized that his salvation lied with God, he prayed to God and was delivered by the whale to dry land. Jonah then fulfilled his destiny and began to preach the word of God.

Too many of us are like Jonah. We know, in our innermost being, how we should be living with our lives. Yet, we choose to ignore that knowledge.  When bad things happen as a consequence of ignoring our destiny, they are not a punishment but a nudge by the universe to get back on track.

Take time each day to observe how connected you are to your environment, your family and your community.   Observe how the breeze moves the tree tops ever so gently and how those same trees protect you from that wind.  Watch the flowers open in the morning just as they feel the sun’s rays and then watch them close in the evening as the sun goes down. Observe your children and friends and focus upon your relationships to each other. I laugh whenever my son talks on the phone and paces, just like his dad.

We are all connected to each other. Every action that we take, every thought that we make goes out and affects the world around us and eventually us. With that in mind let us focus upon sending out good thoughts and performing good acts. Eventually everything that returns to us will only be good.

God is always there waiting for you to reach out to him. You are never too much of a sinner and you are always deserving of his full love. Respect and observe your connection to all there is.  Find that true connection we all have to God. Treasure it because once you make that connection, you will discover that God certainly cherishes you.