the awesome wisdom of the universe

At confirmation class this past Wednesday, the young men in the group and I were sharing visions of God. I was not surprised to hear the male pronouns. I have tried to introduce the femininity of God but the parental and institutional church has much more influence than I.

I pointed out to the guys that they were addressing God as masculine and asked them why. Their response also was not surprising to me and all of them agreed it was because males are the more dominant of the sexes. I wonder why I am supposed to hear this?

Driving along a two-lane road headed east a few weeks ago, the sun was bright and I could see the horizon in every direction I looked.

The Nebraska prairies allow this vista quite often if you take time to look. I mean you could see so far to the north and south that the gentle curve of our earth was apparent. It was the sort of vista that I am sure inspired many songs and stories of mother earth and grandfather sky by the Ogallala Sioux and other first peoples of the area.

I was reminded of the wisdom and beauty of a friend who has left earth. Her wisdom and gentleness even after her death are still touching people.

Jackson Adam Hollingshead, who from this day on will be called Jack in honor of his grandfather, was born on February 7, 2009. The 93rd anniversary of his great grandfather Lyman Mertzs' birthday.

The universe is awesome!!!