Blowing Out the Dust Within

Rushing wind blow through this temple,

Blowing out the the dust within;

Come and breathe your breath upon me:

I've been born again.

Holy Spirit, I surrender; take me where you want to go.

Plant me by your living water,

Plant me deep so I can grow.

~ Keith Greene, from his song "Rushing Wind"

It has been a painful several months of discernment for me, as I ponder my gifts and skills and where they meet the world.  And as a friend reminded me this week, growth, unfortunately, usually involves a certain degree of aching discomfort. Feeling my spirit going down this afternoon, I caught up with my old, old friend Charles and we set out for a casual afternoon at the White Rock Coffee Shop. 

Charles is one of those people who always creates an accepting, comforting  quiet space for me.  Today he grabbed some art supplies on his way out the door, and after buying me a cup of coffee AND raspberry cheesecake (such kindness!), we sat found a cozy spot.  Over casual conversation, we played with his watersoluble ink pencils.  Not really in a mental space to challenge myself artistically, I settled on a dragonfly.. thinking about a very supportive friend for whom dragonflies are sacred symbols.  I, of course, am drawn to insects for their transformative qualities.

So we played... with no high expectations of ourselves, no deep thoughts.  What a compassionate and comforting gift to ourselves to just let go and let the color flow!  A lady nearby noticed us and struck up a conversation about a sketchbook she spontaneously bought awhile ago.  Perhaps she was inspired to play in it herself.  And as we walked out, with the sun beginning to set, the freshness of the air on my flipflopped feet, (yes just a week ago it was that terrible ice storm in Dallas), we both turned to each other and remarked how balanced and clear we felt after our lovely few hours.  How wonderful when art can be not only a medium for provoking deep thoughts, but also for calming our souls!

More from the song listed above:

Separate me from this world, Lord:

Sanctify my life for you.

Daily change me to your image,

help me bear good fruit.

Every day you're drawing closer,

Trials come to test my faith.

But when all is said and done, lord,

You know it's been worth the wait.