Reflections for 5/6/10

"We must humbly admit that we really don't know much at all We have few right answers it seems to me, and even fewer conclusions. All we can be is what Jesus was present and enfleshed." (R. Rohr "Radical Grace" p. 178)

Have you ever been confronted with a situation or a question that you thought you should know the answer to and found that the answer just didn't come?

I have those moments from time to time and I have found that right then and there the answer seems to be just being there. Sometimes it is easy to forget that our presence is often all that another person needs. They aren't really looking for our advice. We don't need to be the wisest or smartest person in the room. But to be a steady, calming and assuring presence is worth its weight in gold.

There are things that I do know, some of it acquired from education, a goodly amount from being alive and engaged in the world. I readily admit that I don't have all the answers and am enough of "P" on the Myers-Briggs to not long for conclusions.

The interesting experience is often how if I don't rehearse the answers, don't arrive with conclusions in tow, that a few moments of presence often brings about the answers that are needed if any are needed, and the conclusion are reached, if needed. But sometimes being there is all that is required.

Blessings,
Ed