Choosing the direction !

 

One ritual for birds at day break is to plan their first flight path. I felt fascinated while watching how this pair of Bulbuls planned for thelr movements. 

After the grooming and drying, the two who were looking in two directions aligned to look in one direction. Having chosen the direction for the flight, both moved to be perched on a branch, which gave them a larger view of the path ahead for the flight. 

It was from this position, both of them flew away, one after the other to the  distant destination. 

The pathway for the day is an open matter for the birds in the morning. They have food, water and friendly terrain as their expectation for the day. 

Each day is a new day for the birds. They plan and choose. 

In the events associated with the birth of Jesus, what stands out is how Joseph and Mary were guided through the journey into their future.

Mary who was only betrothed was promised a son by an angel. Jospeh was guided to receive Mary as his wife although she had conceived a baby according to the promise by the angel. They needed to go to Nazareth to register for census during which Jesus was born, whom they placed in a manger. The presentation of Jesus on the eight day when Simeon and Anna prophesied about the baby Jesus, who was to be the fulfilment of prophetic promises, followed by the 'flight' to Egypt at night to escape from Herod who was plotting too harm Jesus, were unusual experiences. However they were in alignment with the Old Testament references about Jesus and the events associated with His birth.

The Christmas narrative is an outstanding example of how all good happenings can be submerged in a hostile and demanding setting. 

The avian readiness process for each day at dawn, is for encountering the foreseen and unforeseen situations in the flight paths. 

This readiness process is an exercise of reflection, bringing past experiences as an indication of what to await. It is a process to gauge the wind, light and temperature in the air, other flock movements, and sensing the location where they shall find food, water and shelter for the day. 

It is an awareness about the Christmas events, which can make us feel moved by the sensitive and responsive attitude of Joseph and Mary. They were in an exceptional situation. And yet, they acted in alignment with prophetic writings or responded to the instant guidance received from the angels. 

These recollections bring back to me some instances in the recent years, when I felt desperate for guidance and indication to choose the path. 

This discerning process is more than filtering available information or evidences but gauging the truth beyond all that is existential and logical. 

I recall how two nurses, Ann Bothamley and Marlene Thomas, working at the CMC, Vellore felt that they ought to have a residential facility for children whose parents were working in cross cultural situations, so that the children can receive good schooling. That is how Balanylayam came into being at Vellore, which both of them developed to be a 'home away from home'. They became foster parents to the children in residence. Such a guidance became historical, redeeming the childhood of many children who now live their vocation in different professional settings. 

We received the news of the home call of Ann yesterday. Both Ann and Marlene lived  discerning the time and responding to the guidance they felt within. They changed the course of the lives of many children and brought immense comfort and affirmation to their parents to continue their cross cultural presence and vocation. 

Joseph and Mary were one couple, who brought about changes in their lives in order that Jesus would grow up readying Himself to become the saviour. They bore the stress of the unexpected situations in their lives, knowing that what they were called to endure was for preparing Jesus for His mission in life. 

The birds above live each day sensing the direction each day. Joseph and Mary lived following the promptings given to them. Ann and Marlene lived responding to the voice within. 

The flowers below are an offering to all, who live mindfully of others. 

The Christmas season is a time to know and accept that there can be another way to live our lives, beyond what we plan and look forward to!

I recall how the situations of stress and disappointments turned out to be path finders on some occasions in my life. 

One stressful situation I recall was when I was asked to go to Nagpur to study the pre-professional course to join the medical course. To be a medical professional was no where in my orbit of consideration. The two years preceding to getting admission to study medicine turned out to be stressful and demanding. I feel grateful for those who carried me thoughtfully towards the study medicine. I remember my parents who believed in me and made it possible. Now fifty eight years later, I realise how the paths that I walked were both easy and difficult. 

Where that path led me is to a terrain that gave me a fulfilling experiences, by being involved with developmentally challenged children and their parents.  A path unusual and least conceivable path normally!

It is important to remember that Jesus lived facing threat to His life. Children of his age were killed by Herod, for failing to spot Jesus to harm Him. 

The good news of Christmas is that God is at work amidst the evil designs that we witness around us!

Choosing the direction is by yielding to God's promptings !

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)