Journal of Sacred Work

[Today’s meditation was written by Cathy Self, Sr. V.P. of the Baptist Healing Trust]

   My radio is tuned to a station that now plays Christmas
music around the clock. I am one of many who love this season and what it
represents. And, yes, I start playing Christmas music as soon as the
Thanksgiving dishes are cleaned and put away. Among my favorite Christmas songs is one centered on the phrase “Love
came down at Christmas time.” The words
are meaningful, but how much more meaning they become when we find our way to
singing Love’s sweet song in every
encounter, each and every day! Of course, none of us is perfect Love and we
will, on occasion, fall short. But when I step into that sacred space, where
need is met with Love, oh how my heart overflows!

My caregiver’s heart is especially full right now. I have
cherished memories of quiet moments at the bedside, heart to hand to spirit. I
am now blessed to spend my days engaging with others around Love’s powerful
healing potential. I dream and partner every day with a terrific group of
people who are deeply committed to having a meaningful impact on healthcare in
middle

Tennessee

and beyond! I am surrounded by a family that knows and understands Love as its
core. My family is growing with a gregarious and beautiful 15 month-old
daughter who fills my life with joy and laughter and a 6-week old grandson who
is taking in the world with deep and pensive eyes.
When the headlines would have us believe all is lost, I
encourage you today to look to all that has been gained – to appreciate the
fullness of Love’s song in you.
Thomas Merton says it well, and I leave you with his words:

When psalms surprise
me with their music
And antiphons turn to
rum
The Spirit sings;
the bottom drops out
of my soul.

And from the center of
my cellar,
Love,
louder than thunder
Opens a heaven of
naked air.

New eyes awaken.
I send Love’s name
into the world with wings
And songs grow up
around me like a jungle.
Choirs of all
creatures sing the tunes
Your Spirit played in

.

 “Psalm” from The
Collected Poems of Thomas Merton.