of people recognizing the giftedness uniquely theirs,
of people standing tall in their gifts and using them to enrich the lives of others;
of people coming to a deeper union of God dwelling within them and a deeper communion with one another.
of peace and harmony reigning -- for power would be in docility to expressing one's gifts ...
I have a dream
of a people drawn together out of a shared vision, a new way of living together,
of each individual in their rightful place based on gifts,
of men and women standing side by side serving together to bring peace and justice to the city,
of a society based on deep trust that within each person
is a well of goodness, beauty and truth longing to express itself for the good of all ... and in freeing this inner well, an ocean of love that could fill the world.
An individual sitting in an emergency waiting room noticed a man in a wheel chair in considerable pain with his wife by his side. For a half hour the couple never exchanged a word; they just held hands, looking intently at each other. Once or twice the woman patted the man's face. The person watching said the feeling of love was so tangible in the room that she felt she was sharing their silent communion. Their silent love was also joyful and portrayed the fullness of a human relationship. That's what spiritual silence is all about. Love does not necessarily require words. It often requires silence.
~ from "Contemplative Silence" by Paul Harris in Schola (March 2001)
