EYES WIDE SHUT

Years ago, I saw the movie, “Eyes Wide Shut.” At the time, I thought it was such an odd name for a movie. It starred Tom Cruise, so of course I had to see it. One cannot turn down a movie with Tom Cruise!


This was a fascinating film. I now understood the given title. It made perfect sense. Now, it is part of my list of idioms. I often refer to it while talking about faith and spirituality.

People may say they have spirituality and faith; it is their actions that count. Their eyes are open, believing in the two, but they are actually not seeing what is behind the terms. Not understanding how to live a spiritual life has the eyes remain shut.

They do not have to stay this way. A little bit of effort can grow into being fully aware of how to live a life to its fullest. It can begin with a simple hello and a smile while passing someone in the grocery aisle. Staying patient in the grocery line, as someone goes for a handwriting of the year award while writing out the perfect check, makes the spirit grow a little more. Not getting angry in the store’s parking lot, as someone zooms by, has those eyes open up a little further.

Initiating small practices of caring and kindness is how spirituality develops. In a restaurant, I ask the name of our server, if I do not see a nametag. There is a complete change in body posture as the person responds. The waiter is pleased to be recognized as a person, rather than being an object who waits upon another. A number of years ago, at the end of our meal, the waiter came over, knelt beside me on one knee, and began to tell me how he recently lost his grandfather. He was emotional, expressing to me how much his granddad had meant to him. I let him talk; I only listened, resting my hand on his arm. As he finished what he was saying, I told him I would say prayers for him, to help him get through these tough times. I added that I was not just saying the words that I would pray; I actually would, as I am quite spiritual. He replied that he could tell I was, that is why he told me his story. He had been holding in the feelings of his grandfather from everyone. When he met me, he finally felt he could say what had been building up inside of him. I was surprised and honored at the same time.

Listening is another way of practicing faith, a faith in God, in others and in my own being. I am no better than my fellow man. No matter the clothes another person wears, the job one holds or the society where an individual resides, all must be treated with dignity. It is not an easy task, but practicing this means applying faith in any situation given to me, As a result, spirituality is part of everyday life. It becomes as easy as breathing. Living out the faith becomes automatic.

I pray for those with eyes wide shut, that they may experience the beauty in life as I see it. I want those eyes, behind a glass shield, to break out and become aware of everything and everyone, caring, loving, listening, understanding,exercising patience and being respectful, wherever they are. I pray that they will see what opportunities stand in front of them, enjoying a fulfilled life, all by learning to live the faith, not just to believe in it.

WHAT IS FAITH?

What is faith?

It is to know that though

We cannot always see the sun,

It rises each day.

It is to know that though

We cannot always be in the

Same room of our loved ones,

We still love them deeply.

It is to know that though the night is black,

There is no emptiness within its vast darkness.

It is to know that though

We cannot see our Creator,

He is always there.

It is to know that though

We cannot touch Him,

He never stops touching us with

His blessings.

It is to know that in the darkness,

He is there to keep us safe

It is to know that no matter

What is given to us,

He is there holding us,

Never, ever letting us go.



~Marie T. Morrison

SUNSHINE, CHERRIES and BLESSINGS

No wind today,
Only blue skies and sunshine.
Birds are chirping,
Excited to attack our tree of cherries.
Those tin plates help a little bit,
In keeping the winged creatures at bay,
Reflecting the bright rays of the warm sun.
It's a beautiful day to sing high praises to God,
For sharing
His spirituality throughout His endless creations.
Blessings to everyone!