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This photograph was taken a few years ago.  On a day boat in Turkey.  Complete with all the stuff for a day out: loud music, a fridge full of beer, a rack of bottled spirits, a bbq with enough food to feed at least two boats, sunbed mattresses to loll-on, regular swimming stops to cool down and frolic … the usual whole “happy tourists” package. And then …

Silence

Awe

Wonder

Contemplation

Connection

Reflection

Still… ness…

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The whole day changed as we turned towards that sunset.

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There were a number of us – all holiday friends – all there for a good time – all happy tourists together – all different – and yet …

What is it about this massive red blob in the sky that connects each of us?  How can this place none of us have ever visited but see every day – whether by cloud-filtered light or strong direct sunlight – how does this amazing ball of fire draw us to it?

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I have seen the science – but it isn’t enough.  I have heard the poetry – but on its own it’s a mere momentary distraction.  I have felt its warmth on my back – and now we are coming close.  I have lain in its power and felt rejuvenated – and now I am getting close.

I am connected to the sun because it fires life inside me from all those unimaginable miles away. 

I am connected to its light when I get up each day.  I am connected to its absence when I sleep each night.  It is my life and I am connected.  It gives life to all around me – the friends I have, the food I eat, the foes I fear, the freedom I enjoy!

I am a child of the sun just as we all are children of the sun.  We – all of us together and individually – are connected.

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“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40

We – all of us together and individually – are connected.

Why must we argue over such simplicity … why must we make this a constricted divisive theology … why must the God we created in our likeness – but so much better – now be made (by us) to be so much worse … ?

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A Sun of God All Life with whom we are connected as an expression of something greater than just me …. Connected not just physically but also spiritually … Connected in my emotions and hopes and fears and tears and dreams …

Connected in Love without Condition.

Because whenever I think I am “not connected” to whatever “constriction” I find “binding” …

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I think of this moment – look at this moment …

And now I am getting close.

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