Trinity Enews Article October 24, 2019
A year ago, I was in a very different place than I am today. While my ministry here at Trinity was a refuge and a solace, a fierce personal challenge was looming large and there was absolutely nothing to do but engage with it. I did so reluctantly, hoping it was all a bad dream. It wasn’t. And, as you all know, the looming challenge was Joe’s brain tumor. Nothing prepared us for this grizzly bear of a shock. It rocked us to the core. And yet, almost a year later from Joe’s diagnosis, I can honestly say I wouldn’t trade this past year for anything. I’ve learned so much from this bear-of-a-year. My spiritual life is richer, our marriage is sweeter and stronger, I’m happier and healthier. Today I offer these words, as well as this Celtic wisdom, for encouragement to those who, amid a fierce personal challenge, are having a bear-of-a-time. Faithfully, Jenny+
St. Gall and the Bear
An Irish monk on a mission
saunters through Swiss forest,
when a bear charges him, fur bristles,
nostrils large and dark, the holy man
does not clench in fear, slowly
extends his hand, chunk of bread
in his palm, offers it to those
long-clawed paws which take it eagerly
into hungry jaws and lumbers off.
The bear returns that evening,
wood piled high in his brown arms
to build the monk a fire.
Together they sit for hours,
listen to night’s music,
count stars as they appear,
bask in warmth of embers
and new friendship.
When the great bear of your life
charges toward you, nourish it
with the bread of your kindness.
When it comes carrying kindling,
sit down together, see what is sparked
and what shapes dance in the flame.
© 2019 Christine Valters Paintner