Tuesday morning...10 Jan '11
Hey...good morning!!!
Out here in the SoCal Desert near Indio it's extra dark. Snores are heard through the walls of this magnificent desert home at which we are gathered. That sound, is the sound of old men sleeping that let's me know they are still here...still alive...and for this early morning pondering, I am glad to hear their odd "music of the moment." I probably added my fair share to the sounds of the night before awakening. :-)
Who is the "we?"
Ironically, yet lovingly, we've grabbed, in these modern times, onto the name "The Desert Fathers." Talk about a motley band of men, all now in their late 50s, 60s and 70s (that older age be me).
Begun decades ago by several of us who attended college together way back in the last century, the group has grown over the years to include others, the majority from here in CA, who have had life happen from great joy to great mistakes to great sorrow to great peace and hope that has come from not giving up...and doing life together.
The last two times we have gathered, we've thought that this was most likely the last time. Some are dying of cancer, but here one more time. Some feel like thay are dying of other happenings within their soul and relationships. Some are coming more alive than ever and tackling new horizons, even in the midst of crazy, hard circumstances. All are committed to dying well...and being as fully alive as possible between now and then...to living fully into each unique "design by God."
The reality of these men is that we're still here to be about our God's good work...no matter the circumstances. Though times have been extra tough for many...there is no morbid pondering...but quiet wonder at our God's amazing grace...even in the most serious of moments.
My sense, at this early hour, reflecting on our gathering again yesterday, is that, one more time, I'm sitting in the midst of ornery, battered, hope-filled, beautiful saints. What an honor to even be included.
The "three minute" catch-up moments that began our time late yesterday afternoon was expressed through every major emotion known to mankind. Being back together, one more time (...and I suspect this really isn't the last time...we'll probably keep doing this until there is no man left standing...truly, what an amazing, varied group of souls...), I'm hearing and experiencing new and deeper wisdom from their journeys...as well as sharing from my own past year...a safer place for all of us.
Some of us are so different from each other...whew! But we're here, one more time, to listen, to learn, to grow, to be encouraged that we are not alone on the journey.
Already, these are, again, treasured moments...needed and welcome by each one of us. It should be one intriguing Tuesday...10 Jan '12. Old men, vibrant men...........bruised, broken, alive...beautiful in every way.......a holy patina being witnessed as they each (me included) shared one word to define where they are as they showed up...one more time. So glad I'm here...very thankful...more to share from here when the time is right...........
What might your "one word" be
as you show up for this day
wherever you are?
...this picture was taken on a 2011 summer hike on a new trail (to us) up in Summit County
...eager to return in 2012...
What a rag tag marvelous Band of Desert Fathers!!!
Posted by: George | January 10, 2012 at 08:48 AM
As one of the grateful individuals who has met and been poured into by you since your last gathering, I read this with a tremendous amount of joy. What a sweet fellowship you are enjoying, and what a gift of perspective it gave me. Have a great time!
Posted by: Mbuley | January 10, 2012 at 11:16 AM
What a hoot of a hangout. Enjoy!
Posted by: Jeff Giles | January 11, 2012 at 10:34 AM
This is so inspiring. I wish I could join you, Papa Wes. Desert Fathers had one thing in common - they practically mentored emerging "Fathers" in the desert...passing it on...paying it forward...
May the Lord continue to reveal himself to you and your fellow "Desert Fathers" in a unique and new way.
Posted by: Jacob Kitonsa | January 11, 2012 at 08:10 PM