The Caribbean–Jeremie, Haiti
“Only those who fill their hearts and minds with heaven can want or even recognize its earthly counterpart. Only they can seek after it in a way that indulges neither utopian dreams nor despotic solutions. To be of real earthly good requires a certain fearlessness: a freedom from the fear of death, from the loss of property or status or title or comfort, from the threat of tyrants, the power of armies, the day of trouble.
“People fixated on earth generally do not have this deep taproot of courage and conviction . . . Like the tug and heft of an unseen planet hovering near, the hope of heaven is meant to exert a gravitational pull that gives our lives stability, substance, weight. Ironically, it alone has the power to give us in a sustained way the moral and spiritual ballast needed to keep our feet on the earth–to make us of much earthly good. It is a rumor of home in a place of exile, inspiring us to keep up the good work.
“It is Unseen Things that render the things we do see–both the beauty and the ugliness, the grandeur and the barrenness, never enough, and yet never too much.”
~Mark Buchanan in Things Unseen: Living in Light of Forever
Stilled in the Unseen,
Sandy
Welcome to Still Saturday where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and words. We’d love for you to join us. Get the details on the left, grab your favorite button, and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to gaze long and drink deep.
Beautiful, Sandy! And it joins my prayer lately, that everything–everything–hidden will be brought to the Light.
You model courage for me, Megan.
Yes, what Sandy said. Courage.
“…the hope of heaven is meant to exert a gravitational pull that gives our lives stability, substance, weight.”
I could use a little substance, stability, and weight… 🙂
Hope you have a great weekend, Sandy. Your picture made me miss Haiti’s beautiful people…
Hoping heaven pulls you close this weekend, Lyli.
I have got to get some Mark Buchanon on my bookshelf. Beautiful, and stirring. God bless you, sweet Sandy XO
I love his words–and how he words his words. Bless you too, dear Kris.
Ooooh, loved this…been heavenly minded this week for a couple of reasons…thank you for sharing this.
Ooooh… I love that kind of news. 🙂
“…a rumor of home in a place of exile.” Wonderful. Blessings, Ellen
Isn’t he good with those words? I’ve been savoring every phrase.
Beautiful encouraging words for my heart this morning. I just left Mia site for yours and so glad I did.
Lover everything about this, Sandra. Thank you. 🙂
“the hope of heaven is meant to exert a gravitational pull that gives our lives stability, substance, weight.”
I never considered this idea before. What a gift you’ve given me today, Sandy. Thank you!
And thank you for your hospitality, as always.
You know, I don’t think I’m there yet … a “real earthly good.” I think I’m still far too attached to things and status and this stuff of earth.
Beautiful passage & photo! Thanks for hosting & God bless!
Thank you for another great book to read – I cherish all the treasures you share, Sandy!
Blessings to your Sunday & coming week,
Nina