Standing may be so natural that is goes unnoticed. The flex of the joint conforms to the desired posture with ease. Conscious thoughts may not coincide with the stand.
In other seasons of life, standing requires true devotion. A willingness to move when the act may cause attention. Or critique. An unsettling glare. Or even pain.
In both scenarios, the mechanics of standing are consistent. The bones working in rhythm with tendons and muscles and brain. And yet – standing can feel so remarkably different from one day to the next. When it becomes noticed - by self and others. When sitting feels safer. More comfortable. Grounded.
In these moments, courage must accompany the body. Spirit must guide the neurons. The heart must circulate with a bit more zest. And the body must succumb to the will of the Maker. Who beckons. And delights in upward movement.
Standing may require the effort of days. Or much longer. Standing will most likely not happen at once. But it may. Standing is a prerequisite to walking. Crossing over complacency into a new landscape. From stuckness to flight. The budding of a rose mingling with a harvest full of grain.
For many, sitting is the norm that permeates existence. Sitting is associated with rest and refreshment. Which is essential for anyone who strives for fullness of life.
But giants among us teach us how to stand. The matriarchs and patriarchs. Those we acknowledge. And those who form us in mysterious ways. These giants somehow blend the words good and news with one another. In a way that echoes joy and justice. Calling every one of us to stand. Amen.
In other seasons of life, standing requires true devotion. A willingness to move when the act may cause attention. Or critique. An unsettling glare. Or even pain.
In both scenarios, the mechanics of standing are consistent. The bones working in rhythm with tendons and muscles and brain. And yet – standing can feel so remarkably different from one day to the next. When it becomes noticed - by self and others. When sitting feels safer. More comfortable. Grounded.
In these moments, courage must accompany the body. Spirit must guide the neurons. The heart must circulate with a bit more zest. And the body must succumb to the will of the Maker. Who beckons. And delights in upward movement.
Standing may require the effort of days. Or much longer. Standing will most likely not happen at once. But it may. Standing is a prerequisite to walking. Crossing over complacency into a new landscape. From stuckness to flight. The budding of a rose mingling with a harvest full of grain.
For many, sitting is the norm that permeates existence. Sitting is associated with rest and refreshment. Which is essential for anyone who strives for fullness of life.
But giants among us teach us how to stand. The matriarchs and patriarchs. Those we acknowledge. And those who form us in mysterious ways. These giants somehow blend the words good and news with one another. In a way that echoes joy and justice. Calling every one of us to stand. Amen.