A View from the Mountain

I was listening for thunder.
I was expecting lightening.
            I longed to see the heavens open.

But no, by the river,
            barely a whisper,
                        almost an afterthought:

This is it.
This is all there is.
This, right now
is it.

I shrugged and walked away.

Later, under a tree, with a gathering of friends,
I realized,
Oh, yes,
this,
right now, is it.

And it seemed I could hear the Infinite One laugh…

            You thought this wasn’t enough?
Patterns of green leaves framing the night sky.
Distant stars shining.
Warm drinks, delicious food.
Laughter and conversation among friends.
                                    These sacred moments don’t contain
                                     enough mystery for you?

We stand at the mountain.
We walk on our way.
All of us sojourners
lifting up Divine sparks.
Help us, please, be true to the Torah placed deep within us.
And let it be that in gatherings larger and small
we will speak for justice, faith, love and truth
and compassion, kindness and faithfulness will guard us always.
Psalm 40:10-11