There is a crack in everything: that's how the light gets in!
Leonard Cohen 1993
The potter made the most beautiful pot,
flawed in the kiln;
but still a pot,
still perfect in the memory of the maker.
Made first to be a work of art -
an object of wonder
striking awe in its perfection
a reminder of the perfection in each of us.
Made to be displayed, not used,
too perfect for human use.
Now, flawed, but useful still
because of the space enclosed within.
And it works as a pot. Perfectly. Still
remembering the potter's dream
of perfect form and design and decoration
but now more: useful as well as beautiful,
just as full of awe, just as perfect,
just as full of beauty, but now also
in daily use. Dusty, worn by handling, yes,
but still perfect and loved and full of wonder.
Suggestions for meditation
Always begin by offering your time to God: something like "My loving God, I love you with my whole heart and above all things. I give you this time when I am reaching out to you" and then a few moments reminding yourself of some of the blessings God has given you - the clear signs of God's love for you. The exact words of the prayer are not important but you do need a firm intention to open yourself to God's input.
Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.
Listen for the personal message for you. There will always be one word or phrase that will reach into your heart. Think of it as the personal meaning God has for you alone!
If you would prefer a more authoritative reading to focus your meditation try Isaiah 64,8-9
Focus on this passage or the meditation slowly a couple of times.
Read the mediation over slowly a couple of times.
Listen for the personal message for you. There will always be one word or phrase that will reach into your heart. Think of it as the personal meaning God has for you alone!
If you would prefer a more authoritative reading to focus your meditation try Isaiah 64,8-9
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay,
you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be angry beyond measure, Lord;
do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look on us, we pray, for we are all your people.10
Focus on this passage or the meditation slowly a couple of times.
What word of phrase jumps out to speak to you?
Why? Try to put yourself into those words. Maybe imagine Jesus speaking, and reply.
Then spend 5, or 10, or 20 minutes with your word from Jesus, or the word CREATOR or the word LOVE.
You need a clear intention to empty your mind of random thoughts (you won't be entirely successful but you need the intention).
You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds.
After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen.
Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).
You need a clear intention to empty your mind of random thoughts (you won't be entirely successful but you need the intention).
You might want to begin the meditation using the breathing exercise I suggest in We have two minds.
After a minute or two focused on your breathing, move your focus to the word/s you have chosen.
Each time your attention moves away from the word/s, push the distraction gently aside and return to the word ("without the intervention of analytical thought" as The Cloud of Unknowing puts it).
You may need a countdown clock.
At the end thank God, and return to your day.
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