Humility and Awe

At the beginning of 2013, I put forth a small list of things to accomplish or focus on in 2013.  One of those things was living with humility and awe.  I mentioned then that I would explain at some point... well, here it is.  Roughly.

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Not too long ago I discovered I was a unitarian universalist.  In my deepest, darkest hours, I looked for answers...what I found was religion.  I found that I wasn't alone in my thoughts or beliefs. I found inspiration and guidance.

Over the past few months, I've found my new center.  I'm not sure how to explain just how life changing it has been for me.  I've listened to sermons for hours on end.   And with almost every one, something strikes my soul.  I've been moved to become a better person and to thoroughly enjoy my life and all of the beauty in it.

One particular sermon by Rev. Marlin Lavanhar of All Souls Church - Tulsa is one that I've listened to almost two dozen times now.  The sermon is titled Universalism.  In it, he describes the core of Universalism.  At one point, he uses the metaphor from another Unitarian minister, Forrest Church, to describe the religion.

The short version... There is one source, one light, one God.  One Destiny.  In other words, "One God.  All are saved."

The long version... (Typing while listening to podcast; excuse errors)

Imagine the world as if it were an enormous cathedral.  One of those ancient cathedrals in which there are enumerable smaller chapels and transepts and alters and shrines all throughout it.  And each section of the cathedral has its own unique stained glass window.  And each section has its own group of worshipers that stand before that stained glass window.  Some of the chapels are large, with millions of people facing their window.  And others are tiny with just a few people.  But each set of windows is illuminated by the same sun.
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The windows in the cathedral of the world are representing the many religions that exist here on earth.  Each a reflection of the one universal light, the one God, one source, one power that illuminates us all.  All people.  Everywhere.  The different rooms in the cathedral, each with their distinct stained glass windows represent the many religions.  All of them being lit by the same source but each religion is but a refraction and a reflection of the one true light.  That means that no one can see the source directly.  No one can see God directly or fully.  God or ultimate truth is always veiled. 

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Each religion is an attempt to describe and understand and express the one universal source, the one mysterious source, of our existence.  It is to say that there is only one God, albeit known by many, many names. 

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There has to be a way to test the validity of any set of beliefs in the cathedral of the world.  And the test is not based on what people say they believe.  It's based on their lives and their actions. 

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Some religious leaders who tell their followers that only their window transmits the one true light and all others are wrong and false and imposters and fakes.  In some cases these leaders even instruct their followers to go around and throwing rocks in other people's windows.  Obviously violence and disrespect and any kind of demeaning actions violate the rules of the cathedral of the world. 

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Dr. Church tells us that what's required to be a good citizen of the cathedral of the world requires living with two things, humility and awe.  Humility and awe. 

Awe at the incredible light and mystery that created and illuminates this world.  And humility.  Humility in recognizing that whatever our perspective is on this light, on this source, on this God, that no one sees it directly or fully.  No one.  No human being.  And therefore, we can respect, appreciate, listen, and hear other people's perspectives as long as no one is throwing rocks through other people's windows. 

Now if life and death are the doors at which we enter and exit the cathedral... then humility and awe are the pillars that keep the roof on the cathedral.

Humility and Awe.  This world is an absolutely amazing and beautiful thing.  I believe to live with humility and awe is to cherish every moment of this life, to seek beauty in the complexity of nature, and to always reflect upon the smallness of one's own existence in the world.

Rev. Marlin Lavanhar absolutely blows my mind.  I highly recommend listening to anything of his or the associate minister at All Souls, Tamara Lebak.  It is unbelievably refreshing to know that they and so many others stand on the side love and promote acceptance for all.

Humility and awe.  It's now a motto of sorts.  I look for beauty.  I give thanks.  I reflect on my life and place in this world.  And I give reverence each day to my God for my life - past, present, and future.