Reflections From The Ground Up

My true meaning and worth are shown to me not in my estimate of myself, but in the eyes of the one who loves me; and that one must love me as I am, with my faults and limitations, revealing to me the truth that these faults and limitations cannot destroy my worth in their eyes; and that I am therefore valuable as a person, in spite of my shortcomings, in spite of the imperfections of my exterior ‘package.’
Thomas Merton

I am reflecting with gratitude on my life as I rest in the man-made-maze that is New York City. Beautiful place with a sometimes ugly face. I love it, this return visit is wonderful. It feels like home, but it also feels a bit uncomfortable. Like a favorite high school sweatshirt that is now way too tight. My sense of space has changed after walking in the canyons of Sedona. The streets, the buildings, the people, and even the air can feel a little too close. Maybe I am just recognizing for the first time what had always been there. It doesn't matter. It does not change the fact that I love this place. Like Thomas Merton's reflection, these faults and imperfections do not destroy the worth of this city in my eyes.

On Saturday, September 11, I saw some people memorializing and some people ignoring, what had happened to the spirit of this city nine years ago. A dark time, a time of change, a time for a new sense of community....I don't think many people talk about the new city that emerged from those ashes. Not just a phoenix. No, a stronger metaphor is the column of twin lights I saw rising up into the clouds Saturday night. A symbol of bright hopes and aspirations. A sense that what we are capable of is beyond the limits of our institutions and traditions.....ascending.

I am reminded; yes, I am grateful, that I remember where I was on that day. That I have heard incredible tales of survival, that I feel the sense of incredible loss. That I am aware, despite our public petty moments of fighting, blaming and shaming, that we are all valuable parts of this whole. We are all loved and capable of love. The most terrible acts we commit can either hide this truth or be a vehicle of its revelation.

I hope other people saw those lights.

Love,
Joseph

for more 911 light images visit
http://www.flickriver.com/groups/tributeinlight/pool/interesting/