Searching for Sacred

Looking at sin, especially the sin in my own life has historically been a signal to bring on the shame. I might as well have stood in front of a mirror and waved a wagging finger in front of my face. It is no surprise that thinking of an examination of conscience would bring about feelings of dread and avoidance. Lately I have come to see this assumption as an irrational belief. Looking at my own sinful ways is actually a gift. It is an invitation to set aside my false self and become more of the person I was designed to be. It is an invitation of movement closer to my True self; toward the better me. This brings me to an honest confession. In my own examination of conscience I have looked at the role of vices in my life. Pride and envy are obvious, though I certainly wish they were less oppressive. But, I have maintained a blind eye to presence of greed in my soul. It was easy to ignore avarice. On the surface I am generous with my possessions -- with my material goods....

A week ago, I spotted a new bird sitting on our fence.   I was struck by his beauty.   His song, one I had never heard – a sweet cackle.   He presented as friendly, allowing me to approach him with only a few feet separating us.   Curiosity grabbed hold of me.   I researched.   He is a common house martin.   I began looking for him.   I found myself needing to see him. I continued to see him.   And then she joined our party of curious encounters.   It seemed as though we studied one another.   I sat in frequent anticipation hoping to have just one more look.   One more moment of watching, hearing, and noticing them.   They were doing something for me – giving me something I could not quite put my finger on. I continued to anticipate their presence.   These past few days, they have joined our home.   Just inches outside our porch, they are building a nest in an ugly, old birdhouse.   I almost threw it...