Change Starts in the Heart

“I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed.” (Ezekiel 36:26 MSG)

Most of us want a better world. We aspire to be agents of change. How we incorporate new information, how we reevaluate previously held beliefs, how we reconstruct old attitudes--all determine our moral landscape. 

Like a stone dropped in water creates a ripple effect in concentric circles, all transformation starts in our spirit. First, we have to change our own hearts. This means doing an honest assessment of our fundamental biases.  Expect to find some preexisting malignancies that will need to be identified and treated. Our stone hearts have to be replaced with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed.

Once we address our internal misconceptions, we are ready to share our thoughts with our friends, neighbors, coworkers, faith networks, social media associates, etc. Consistently living the truth we profess leads to being a positive influence on those around us. Then we use the power of social dissemination for more expansive territories--educational systems, justice systems, health care, social services, county, state, national legislators, judges, and leaders. Finally--if enough of us use every tool that God gives us, perhaps we can bring about global changes.

Be A Good Example

“Those who keep their heads on straight will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example. They’ll be put to severe testing for a season: some killed, some burned, some exiled, some robbed. When the testing is intense, they’ll get some help, but not much. Many of the helpers will be halfhearted at best. The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify those who keep their heads on straight and stay true, for there is still more to come.” (Daniel 11:33-25 MSG)

Chapter 11 of the Book of Daniel deals with the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes over Jerusalem. Antiochus was known for his persecution of the Jewish people. Many in Judea who passively resisted their oppressors were martyred.  A group of Jews organized an armed opposition to the regime. The result was the Maccabean Revolt. Although the above passage refers to events from the past, some of the lessons are applicable to current events. 

Resistance to oppression is troublesome. It challenges previous belief structures. It disrupts the order of things. Like skeletons in our cultural closet, unpleasant truths that were previously concealed become evident. The resulting chaos adds confusion and shame to the mix. 

What we as individuals do in the midst of a crisis reveals our character. In order to be a good example to others, we must keep our heads on straight even during times of crisis. We have to submit to intense testing and allow our minds to be refined and purified. We have to seek truth even if it is uncomfortable.

The Path of Self-Discipline

“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” (Daniel 9:3 NIV)

 Asceticism is recognized as a path to wisdom in many spiritual traditions. In the third century AD, Christian hermits were drawn to the Egyptian deserts where they lived in solitude and austerity. These monks and nuns were known for their self-discipline and wisdom. 

These days, we live in a society that admires decadence. We strive for affluence as a means of escape. Self-discipline--unless it is a stepping-stone to worldly success--is seen as pointless. Yet, discipleship requires discipline. We cannot be followers of Christ while disseminating our energy with indulgent pursuits. 

Sacrificial living is not a means to earn grace or go to heaven. Self-denial in the name of religious rule-keeping leads to misery. Practicing discipline allows us to develop muscular souls. It leads to stronger moral character, deeper wisdom, and purposeful living. Even while our external lives look austere, our inner lives continue to flourish. We vigilantly remove distractions from our path as we focus on living fully, mindfully, and purposefully. 

“Ask me not where I live and what I like to eat. Ask me what I am living for and what I think is keeping me from living fully for that.” —Thomas Merton

Privileged

“Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others.” (Philippians 2:3 VOICE)

Since ‘privilege’ is such a hot-button issue these days, I decided to unpack it a bit. I am below average in height. When I go to the supermarket, I cannot reach the top shelves. This means I have to either forego what I want to buy, or I have to ask a taller person for help. I do not want to inconvenience others, so I settle for whatever is available on the bottom shelves. A tall person can always bend down and access the bottom shelves, but a short person has limited options.  If you are above average height, you probably have never even thought about this issue. No one is blaming you for being tall. However, you cannot deny that you have some advantages that others may not have. Now, I am NOT comparing being slightly shorter than average to being underprivileged. The analogy is just meant as a noninflammatory way to discuss differences among people groups. 

According to the National Conference for Community and Justice, privilege is defined as: “Unearned access to resources (social power) that are only readily available to some people because of their social group membership; an advantage, or immunity granted to or enjoyed by one societal group above and beyond the common advantage of all other groups. Privilege is often invisible to those who have it.”(https://www.nccj.org/what-privilege)

In a world where ambition and independence are prized, most of us are trained to protect and serve ourselves and our own tribes. If this involves ignoring unfairness or injustice, we accept this as par for the course. Admitting that we have certain privileges that others may not have brings up issues we would rather not think about. It is uncomfortable and inconvenient. It shatters our belief system that we are part of a fair society with liberty and justice for all. 

Be A Blessing

“I am going to put a special blessing on you and cause your reputation to grow so that you will become a blessing and example to others.” (Genesis 12:2 VOICE)

 I routinely take stock of my blessings: I have food, shelter, and stability--I do not have to struggle for survival on a daily basis. I have the ability to read, speak, and write. I have discretionary time. I am relatively healthy. I have the opportunity to make good choices. I have more resources than the majority of the world population. 

Blessings are gifts from God; they are not earned for good behavior or hard work. Blessings are not meant to be hoarded. They are meant to be used as tools to build up others and honor God. If you see your neighbor struggling to fix his home with no tools, would you not go over with your toolbox in hand? 

Most of us admit that we are blessed, but what do we do with these gifts? Do we imagine we deserve them?  Do we merely display them? Or do we share? How can we be a blessing to others? Do an inventory of your blessings. Find one new way to apply each gift to help someone else today. 

Desecration of the Holy

“Belshazzar, heady with the wine, ordered that the gold and silver chalices his father Nebuchadnezzar had stolen from God’s Temple of Jerusalem be brought in so that he and his nobles, his wives and concubines, could drink from them...At that very moment, the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the lamp-illumined, whitewashed wall of the palace. When the king saw the disembodied hand writing away, he went white as a ghost, scared out of his wits. (Daniel 5:2, 7 MSG)

In the above passage, the Babylonian king Balshazzar decides it would be entertaining for his party guests to drink from some chalices that were stolen from the Temple of Jerusalem. These utensils were considered holy by the Jewish people who were being held captive by the Babylonians. Soon after this act of desecration, the king sees the handwriting on the wall that predicts his demise. 

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 KJV)

Unless we learn to recognize what is sacred, we are doomed to repeatedly desecrate what is holy. God created everything for HIS pleasure. However, many of us are under the impression that the world is at OUR disposal. Thus, we unthinkingly treat with sacrilege what is meant to be holy. We use God and faith as a prop, abuse other humans, exploit nature, and misuse resources. We consume with abandon from sacred chalices, reckless about the consequences. Can we not read the handwriting on the wall?

Speak Up

“He promoted or humiliated people capriciously. He developed a big head and a hard spirit.” (Daniel 5:19-20 MSG)

Nebuchadnezzar was a famous Babylonian king. He decided he had the authority to do whatever he wanted without suffering any consequences. He promoted or humiliated people capriciously. He was arrogant and hardened with pride. His son, Belshazzar, took after his father--doing as he pleased. Daniel lived through the reigns of both of these kings. He spoke truth to those in power at great personal risk. 

Standing up and speaking out against authority figures can be dangerous. Traditionally, those who have power and privilege have been defensive when challenged. Bold speech can be disruptive to things as is, and  hierarchical order is often aggrandized over justice. Moreover, there is no guarantee that anything will change. Truth can fall on deaf ears--indifferent to the plight of the powerless.  Yet, like Daniel, our role is to be bold--despite our fears, despite our despair. We are called to stand up, step up, and speak up--to do the right thing, and then...leave the outcome to God. 

Prophets from the Past

“They err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filth; no place is clean.” (Isaiah 28:7-8 NKJV)

Isaiah rebukes the leaders of Jerusalem. He criticizes their impaired judgment, corruption, and deceit. The leaders do not take well to being disparaged. Since the leaders are unwilling to change, Isaiah prophesies that God will get His message across in a different language that will get people’s attention. The rulers remain scornful. They believe they can do whatever they want without consequences. They think they have immunity because they are in power. They are convinced that no one can see through their deceptions. 

What happens when oppression, corruption, and deceit are allowed to continue unchecked? Exasperation builds up cumulatively. When acts of peaceful protests and symbolic civil disobedience do not move the needle on injustice, emotions boil over. Like a dormant volcano, first there is rumbling, then smoke, then an eruption of lava that destroys everything in its path. Neither apathy nor denial will circumvent the upheaval. Violence is always destructive, yet under tremendous pressure, it is understandable. 

I shall conclude with the following quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. It was written in 1967, but it is still applicable in 2020. 

“Certain conditions continue to exist in our society, which must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last few years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice, equality and humanity. And so in a real sense our nation’s summers of riots are caused by our nation’s winters of delay. And as long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again. Social justice and progress are the absolute guarantors of riot prevention.”- Dr. Martin Luther King

On the Fridge

“So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin.” (James 4:17 TPT)

When I get a piece of mail, I try to deal with it immediately. If it is a bill, I pay it. If it is junk mail, I throw it in the recycle container. However, there are times when I receive mail that I cannot deal with right away. I open the envelope, unfold the paper fully, and attach it to my refrigerator with a magnet. This way, I have to look at it every time I walk by my fridge. It is hard to ignore something when in my sightline. 

When I get information that I am not sure what to do with, I try not to reject it right away. I write it down and place it where I am likely to see it regularly. This reminds me to think about it from different angles. Unless I am overwhelmed...in which case, I tend to distract myself. I sense that I don’t have the bandwidth to deal with the issue at hand, so I ignore it and look for something else to occupy my mind. “Out of sight, out of mind,” I say. This form of procrastination can be a helpful coping mechanism in the short run. However, it does not lead to growth. 

There are times when looking away from an issue is a sin. Reticence and inaction in the face of evil makes us complicit. We may not know how to solve racism, hatred, poverty, inequality, oppression, or any of society’s ills. Yet, we have to continue to sit with the discomfort until we find a way forward. Each day brings opportunities to do the right thing, to move in the right direction. Do not ignore them. Pay attention, even when it is painful to do so. 

The Resource of Time

“Teach us to number our days, so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 VOICE)

I’ve always been a fan of lists. I recently started numbering my daily list of activities. This gives me a feeling of accomplishment, even though most days are filled with a bunch of little tasks. I have discovered that counting helps me stay accountable, and that busyness is not always worthwhile. I measure my productivity in many ways.  Some tasks take a long time, while others take only a few minutes. Certain chores that I do routinely go unnoticed, unless I stopped doing them completely. Finally, there are little gems, significant events that may seem inconsequential in the moment but make an impact in the long run. 

"Time is our most valuable nonrenewable resource, and if we want to treat it with respect, we need to set priorities." (Albert-László Barabási)

All of us have the same number of minutes each day. Once lost, time cannot be renewed. Acknowledging the value of time gives it weight. We learn to measure, count, and prioritize how we use this limited resource. We grasp that time has an economy of its own. We spend time, save time, waste time, and conserve time. Not everything we invest time in is profitable.  Once we understand the importance of time, we are able to live measured lives--thoughtfully considered, carefully weighed, and intentionally purposeful.

Conscious Living

“Therefore, as a witness of the Lord, I insist on this: that you no longer walk in the outsiders’ ways—with minds devoted to worthless pursuits.” (Ephesians 4:17 VOICE)

Long-distance running can feel monotonous. In order to make things less tedious, I use headphones to listen to either podcasts or music. The distraction helps me. It takes my mind off my aching body and labored breathing. Some of the best long-distance runners do not use headphones during long-distance training. These athletes choose to remain focused and aware instead of zoning out. This practice develops their mental discipline as well as improves their overall performance. 

Most of us go through life seeking distractions. The daily grind can be monotonous, and we would rather think about more exciting things. Even drama seems preferable to drudgery. Entertaining negative thoughts can make our day feel climactic, casting us in the roles of victim and hero. The voices of the world divert us from being attentive to the whispers within. 

Consciously walking with God takes discipline and practice. It is a moment by moment choice to tune in rather than zone out. God is always present, yet we go through each day without being aware of Him. We miss out on so much. God’s peace, grace, strength, comfort, wisdom, direction, and discernment are freely available to those who remain receptive and responsive to Him. 

Finding Your Lane

“Never again shape your lives by the desires that you followed when you didn’t know better.” (1 Peter 1:14-15 TPT)

I started running for my mental health. For the first few decades, I ran solo--my only goal was to be in nature for about half an hour and to push myself a bit beyond my comfort zone. Years later, as I started running with groups, my ambitions changed. I conquered longer distances and got faster. I heard about the Boston Marathon. Only the fastest runners in each age group can ‘BQ’--qualify for the Boston Marathon by running another official marathon. I knew several friends in my running group who had accomplished this feat. They were all encouraging and supportive. I did not like to disappoint people. I considered training for a BQ attempt but decided against it. I realized this was not a race I wanted to be in. There were parts of running that were personally uplifting to me--developing endurance, consistency, physical toughness, mental health, friendships. Other parts about running were less rewarding--competition, crowds, injury, exhaustion. I had a choice to make: follow the popular trajectory or run on my own terms. 

“She silently stepped out of the race she never wanted to be in, found her own lane, and proceeded to win.” (Anonymous)

There are many ‘races’ in my life that I need to reconsider: the desire to be seen as normal, the desires for approval and appeasement. I would like to silently step out of these paths and find my own lane. This is a solo endeavor requiring thoughtful choices. I can’t just follow others who have already figured things out. Mistakes are inevitable. Goals are redefined. Each step in the right direction is a win--on my own terms, at my own pace, with no audience or applause.

Honor in Action

“You have failed to honor in all you do the one True God who holds the breath of life in the palm of His hand and makes possible all your days.” (Daniel 5:23 VOICE)

Over the past few months, there has been a lot of talk about ‘essential’ workers--people who provide the basic needs of food, health, safety, and utilities for human survival. These essential employees include: farmers, factory workers who process and package food, healthcare workers, childcare workers, sanitation workers, law enforcement officials, delivery drivers, grocery store  workers, utility workers, etc. These people, many of whom we previously treated with contempt, are now recognized as important to our daily existence. However, time will tell if we honor them in name only--OR, if we truly value these workers by compensating and protecting them as well. 

Words of respect and admiration come easily, but our actions reflect what we really value. For example, all of us recognize that air, water, and soil are essential to human survival--yet, if we truly believed this, we would be more protective of these natural resources. We speak of them as indispensable to life, but we treat them as expendable supplies. 

Similarly, if we deeply understood the living God--the One who holds the breath of life in the palm of His hand and makes possible all our ways--we would not treat him with such indifference. Paying homage in name only is equivalent to contempt. Labeling someone essential while failing to show respect by our actions is hypocrisy. Human existence is rooted in God. Every day provides us with opportunities to acknowledge Him. Preserve your time with the Lord. Praise Him with your attitude. Worship Him with your behavior. Honor Him with your actions. 

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Submission

“Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 TPT)

Every piece I write for this blog goes through several revisions. I first jot down random words and phrases on paper. I think, doodle, and disentangle my thoughts. Then I type up sentences, delete them, rewrite them, and rearrange them. Then I go back the next day and fiddle with them some more. Eventually I send in my writing to an editor who proofreads everything. I make all the changes she suggests. Finally, I publish each piece online for anyone who wants to read it. The whole process is an act of submission. 

Similarly, I take all my stress, confusions, and worries and submit them to the Lord. Sometimes I jot my emotions down on paper as a way to untangle them. I contemplate, revise, and readjust my perspectives. I rein in my natural tendency to want to be in charge, modifying my controlling thoughts into surrendering thoughts.  I take each minute, each task, each weakness, each fear--and hand it over. I do not give up on my responsibilities, but I submit my struggles to the One who is supremely capable. I pour out all my anxiety and leave it there. I trust the Lord to tenderly care for me. I listen to His guidance. I accept His corrections. I follow His directions. 

Consumption Habits

"Think very carefully about your choices. You have planted a large crop, but your harvest is small. You have food to eat, but it is never enough to satisfy. You have something to drink, but you are never filled. You have clothes to wear, but they are not enough to keep you warm. You earn a salary, but the money runs out quickly, as if there are holes in your pocket.” (Haggai 1:5-6 VOICE)

In a nation where consumerism drives the economy and capitalism is worshipped, spending is seen as a sign of success. A certain amount of consumption may be necessary for survival, but it should not be mistaken for progress. Think about your choices carefully. Do you notice an imbalance? Are you planting more than you are harvesting? Does your life feel meaningful and fulfilling?  

Lately I have been more conscious of my consumption habits. If I added up all the food I eat, all the products I buy, all the media I consume, all the utilities, fuel, and services I use, it would be substantial. What I give back to this world is negligible in comparison. However, without intentional mindfulness, I can go through a day without being aware of my habits. An honest evaluation reveals that many of my choices are lopsided. They use up more resources than they add value. This realization is uncomfortable; thus, I am resistant to accepting it. Yet, I sense the need for change. 

K-Pop and Goliath

“He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:40 NLT)

David was a young boy when he fought against Goliath. He was an unlikely hero-- untrained and under-equipped. Yet, he took what he knew, the slingshot and a few smooth stones, and brought down a giant. I was reminded of this story recently when an unlikely group of young people brought down giants. 

K-pop, or Korean pop music, is known for its army of superfans--aka ‘stans’. They are mostly known for promoting short videos of their favorite artists on twitter. As a middle-aged woman, I, for one, did not think much about them...until the last few weeks. During the global protests against racism, K-pop stans figured out a way to drown out racist twitter hashtags. They took what they knew best--organization, mobilization, and maximization of algorithms--and kept bringing down giants. They did what grown-ups, like me, couldn’t do. Their actions have inspired me to think of what little skill sets I might have at my disposal. I have had to take an honest inventory. It does not seem like I have much to offer in the grand scheme of things. Yet, I have decided to take whatever I have in me and sling it against evil. 

Within Your Reach

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV)

Window cleaning is one of the chores that I rarely do. There are several legitimate reasons why I put it off. In my home, I can reach about 30% of the windows by myself. If I have a ladder and someone to help, I could clean more--but even then, I can’t reach 100% of all the window surfaces. Since I know I can’t complete the task to my full satisfaction, I resign myself to unclean windows. Today I did something different. I cleaned whatever I could reach. I even stood on a chair and cleaned parts that were a bit of a stretch.  My windows are not significantly cleaner than they were before, but I did what I could--which is better than nothing. 

Some days this world seems wrecked beyond repair. Sickness, suffering, poverty, violence, greed, hatred, destruction, loss, oppression...the problems feel overwhelming.  I would like to help, but much of it seems outside my reach. Thus, I procrastinate; I make excuses. I resign myself to the injustice and suffering. I wait for others to join me with ladders, but even then, there is only so much we can do. It feels pointless to clean up one little corner of the world when the rest will remain a mess. But, maybe it isn’t? Perhaps I could go ahead and start doing what I can on my own. Instead of focusing on what is outside my power to change, I can do what is within my reach. I can share what I have, encourage one person, cheer up someone who feels melancholy, talk to someone who is lonely, clarify what is confusing, or clear up one misunderstanding.  Whatever my mind and hands find to do, I can do it with all my might. What I do will not significantly improve the world, but it is still better than nothing. 

Powerful Tyrants vs. Good Leaders

“Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all.” (Hebrews 13:7 MSG)

Mahatma Gandhi was one of the world’s most inspirational leaders. He led millions of Indians to peacefully stand up against oppression from colonialism. He modeled humility, truthfulness, consistent morality, simplicity, inclusivity, and commitment. Other famous world leaders --including Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King--followed his example. Gandhi was not tall, rich, or handsome. He didn’t brag about how great he was. Instead, he lived what he preached. There was never any discrepancy between his actions and what he asked others to do. Gandhi was a modest, caring leader who was willing to sacrifice himself for the good of others. 

In comparison, Hitler was a powerful tyrant. He convinced his followers that they were superior and more deserving than those around them. His speeches stoked divisiveness. He promoted nationalism, racism, and violence.  Hitler was known for harming the world, for injustice, and for the degradation of humanity.  He was a prideful bully who regularly sacrificed others for his own benefit. 

Inspirational leaders are good role models. Faithfulness, truthfulness, and integrity shine through in every aspect of their lives. Their speech and actions are congruent. Leadership is not about gaining and maintaining power or popularity. Good leaders feel the weight of responsibility. They understand that everything they do can influence others. They lead by example. They are thoughtful and considerate with their words and lifestyle choices.  They motivate others to become better human beings. They bring out compassion, virtue, sincerity, and decency in their followers. The need for good leadership is more urgent than ever, but we must resist the urge to tolerate tyrants. 

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

Dangerous Delusions

“How long will you set your heart on shadows, chasing your lies and delusions?” (Psalm 4:2 TPT)

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a form of cognitive bias in which people who are incompetent also lack self-awareness of their incompetence. They operate under an illusion of superiority on all subjects. They know too little to even recognize how little they know. They prattle foolishness instead of deferring to those who have expertise in an area. 

“In many cases, incompetence does not leave people disoriented, perplexed, or cautious. Instead, the incompetent are often blessed with an inappropriate confidence, buoyed by something that feels to them like knowledge.” (David Dunning, Pacific Standard)

We have all encountered someone who displays the Dunning-Kruger effect. Funny videos of toddlers who have no clue about a subject but still claim to be know-it-alls are popular on the internet. This overconfidence combined with ignorance can be amusing in a toddler but disastrous in adults. As children grow up, most of them will learn enough to know how much more there is to know. Unfortunately, narcissistic adults often do not reach this point of intellectual humility. Instead, they make decisions that affect themselves and others based on their meta-ignorance. They may influence others to follow their delusions. The results can be deadly.

Talents and Limitations

“He gave five talents to one slave, two to the next, and then one talent to the last slave—each according to his ability.” (Matthew 25:15 VOICE)

TED talks are short, inspirational speeches given by experts in various subjects. These popular videos are often shared online among friends. Although I am a fan of TED talks, I rarely watch the videos. Instead, I go to the website and read the transcripts of the speeches. I do the same with sermons. I prefer reading to listening. Why? My brain processes information better when it is presented in a written format than in an audible form. It’s like the written word is my native language and audio is a second language that requires additional translation to absorb. I did not realize this about myself until recently. I just thought it was a personal preference, not a limitation. 

Here is another discovery: I cannot sit through media that portrays suffering, captivity, torture, or oppression for any length of time. I know that these things happen in the world, but I do not have the emotional bandwidth to handle watching this in video format. I want to be informed, but not overwhelmed--so I read the news instead of listening to it or watching it.

For some of us, acknowledging talents can be easier than admitting personal limitations. However, a realistic understanding of our strengths and weaknesses can bring clarity. We may want to change others, but we can only change ourselves. Periodic assessments of our values and behavior are necessary since we are continuously learning and growing. Self-awareness comes with contemplation, acceptance, and a willingness to yield to divine molding. 

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I'm wise, so I am changing myself." (Rumi)

Interconnected Spirits

“For the Spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.” (Ezekiel 10:17 NLT)

The Book of Ezekiel, with its weird visions and whimsical metaphors, can be difficult to understand. Whirling wheels that turn within each other like gears. Angels with four heads--each shaped like an ox, a human, a lion, and an eagle. A cloud of glory filling every space. The spirit of the living beings connected to the wheels--everything moving together. What are we to make of all this? 

Could it be that all living beings are interconnected? My behavior affects others around me--my family, the neighbors, the nation, the world. My choices alter the environment--air, water, plants, animals. Like concentric circles, we influence each other--humans, oxen, lions, eagles--moving gears on wheels, every species interdependent. Perhaps some day, we shall understand the relevance of this symbiotic relationship. Once we realize that our choices have consequences, maybe we will refrain from exploiting our environment. For the same Spirit dwells in all consciousness and fills every space. We are linked by the glory of God. In Him we merge and emerge as beings.