Ajar

by

In times when things shut down, we can easily give way to the temptation to shut down too. But if we do this, outer darkness moves inside. Rather than overcoming our situation we are overcome by it.

Shutting down may feel like the thing to do, but it is not. We must remain open in order for the light to get in.

In that regard the word 'ajar' has come to mind. When something is ajar, it's open. We usually speak of doors being ajar. Windows can be ajar too. I even found a seaport described as being ajar—that is, open in a way that afforded ships shelter from a storm. Ah, that's it---shelter from a storm by living a life that is ajar.

A--acceptance. These are days to pray the Serenity Prayer. Sadly, we are reading stories of people who are resisting the need to change, and by doing so they are putting themselves and others at risk. This kind of resistance is selfish and harmful—born of egotism, not soul.

Happily, we are witnessing those who are acting responsibly and compassionately, accepting these days as opportunities to be instruments of God's peace, and taking every opportunity to do good.

J--journey. Henri Nouwen described the spiritual life as journeying from the house of fear to the house of love. He knew that the lodging place of our hearts determines their condition. We are made by God, Who is Love, to live in the house of love, which is summed up in the two great commandments and the fruit of the Spirit. These days open us to the opportunity to cultivate love inwardly and practice it outwardly.

A--appreciation. Jesus spoke about little things: seeds, birds, a cup of water, etc. He taught us to appreciate little things. I am finding this to be especially true these days. Sitting quietly with Jeannie on the couch--six feet apart 😍. Feeling the sun's warmth coming through the window. Gazing at a Sevilla blue sky. Hearing a child laugh and play in the apartment next door. This is openness to the present moment. Being faithful (attentive and appreciative) in little things fills our life with joy. As Macrina Wiederkehr puts it: every tree is full of angels.

R--relationships. Dietrich Bonhoeffer rightly noted that the spiritual life is life together. Our souls are made to be linked with people and things. John Donne got it right: no one is an island. We live, move, and have our being in relationship. These are days to connect with nature and with people through simple acts of receiving and giving. Openness through relationships bring precious gifts into our lives, and it sends needed gifts to others.

AJAR--openness. A word to use as a guide for living in a time of adversity. A port in the storm. A place to stand, and one from which to act so that our wellbeing and the welfare of others are preserved.

Stay open. Remain ajar.

The Rev. Dr. Steve Harper is a retired seminary professor, who taught for 32 years in the disciplines of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies. Author and co-author of 31 books and a retired Elder in The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, he and his wife Jeannie Waller Harper are frequent leaders of workshops and spiritual retreats. This post is republished with permission from his blog Oboedire.