LEAN IN

A few years ago, I received a gift that is technically not “religious” but is one of my favorite spiritual books in my collection.  Funny how that happens.  It is a story about a lonely boy, a hungry mole, a horse and a fox who venture into the wild.  It is called The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.

Some of the wisdom within these pages is beautiful:

 “Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy.  “Me too,” said the mole, “but we love you, and               love brings you home.  I think everyone is just trying to get home,” said the mole.

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.  “Help,” said the horse.

“One of the greatest freedoms is how we react to things”

“Often the hardest person to forgive is yourself”

“Life is difficult ~ but you are love.”

“Sometimes all you hear about is hate but there is more love in this world than you could possibly imagine.”

 I appreciate that God takes what is generally considered outside the sphere of religion to bring us unexpectedly to a place of worship.  That is what happened for me in this book.  It’s a story of a boy who has so many questions.  I can sure relate to him!  A mole shows up with wisdom that brings clarity and peace.  Haven’t we had conversations that have done that?  However, the boy continues to have doubts of his belonging in the world. The horse and fox, with their loving friendship and enduring presence, speak directly to the boy’s heart.  In the end, what sacred gifts they all offer! 

The truth this book reminds us of is that our simple gifts of presence, friendship, listening, and encouragement are holy.  I invite us to allow that to sink in.  When we are present to one another, we are partnering with God. 

What way this week might God be asking each of us to LEAN IN to part of this story?

THE BOY:  Vulnerably asking deep questions of life or of God or perhaps of someone in our life?

THE MOLE:  Deeply listening to another or God and then responding wholeheartedly?

THE FOX:  Although hurt by life, courageously showing up none the less?

THE HORSE:  Being present with gentleness and love?

THE WILD: (representing life) Although it is beautiful, it can be frightening.  Saying yes to going into the wild with our heads, hearts and actions?

May we all have the courage to LEAN IN, if only with one of the above, because, as the horse says, “the truth is everyone is winging it.”

Thanks for reading.

 # charliemachesy  #sacredliving  #bookworm  #carmodystateofmind