Move The Mountains You Created

One of my greatest obstacles toward becoming the person I know I want to be is me. 

I can't seem to get out of my way sometimes. More often than not, I am my own worst enemy, and I have self-destructed more than a few times.  

If this sounds strange for a pastor to admit, you should know that what I am describing is pretty much the entire human condition.  If we are all being honest, we know this to be true for all of us.  

But our propensity for blowing up our lives without much help doesn't have to be our story. We just need to be honest with ourselves and others about it, spend some time really getting to know ourselves and offer ourselves grace when needed. 

I'm learning that Lent is the perfect time to reflect on this. 

As we continue our journey through Lent, we must be reminded that this season is traditionally marked by reflection and transformation; we are invited to delve into the depths of our spiritual journey and explore the true power of the Divine that resides within each of us. 

The late spiritual teacher and author Ram Dass offers a compelling perspective on this growth with his insightful words: 

“The cosmic humor is that if you desire to move mountains and you continue to purify yourself, ultimately you will arrive at the place where you are able to move mountains. But in order to arrive at this position of power, you will have had to give up being he-who-wanted-to-move-mountains so that you can be he-who-put-the-mountain-there-in-the-first-place. The humor is that finally, when you have the power to move the mountain, you are the person who placed it there—so there the mountain stays.”

I love this so much.  This quote beautifully encapsulates the journey of understanding our true nature and the power we hold. 

We often yearn for monumental changes, both internally and externally. Yet, the process of purification and self-discovery requires us to release our attachments to our egos and the desires that stem from them. 

It’s about realizing that sometimes, the mountains in our lives symbolize challenges and growth opportunities that we have created or accepted.

The Bible echoes this sentiment with the verse from 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 

This powerful reminder signifies that the Divine does not reside in distant realms but within us, shaping our experiences and challenges. When we understand that we are temples of the Divine, we can recognize our capacity to effect change in our lives and the world around us.

Lent presents us with the perfect opportunity to engage in practices that enhance our spiritual awareness, such as prayer, fasting, and reflection. 

By immersing ourselves in these practices, we shed the layers of our ego, revealing the pure essence of our being that connects us to the Divine. By letting go of our desire to control and move mountains, we may realize that we can be at one with them and understand their purpose in our lives.

As we journey through this season, let us embrace Ram Dass’s wry humor. The irony of moving mountains is rooted in acknowledging our role as co-creators of our realities. 

We can shift obstacles and understand their significance as part of our spiritual path.

I encourage you to take time this Lent to meditate on these ideas. Reflect on the mountains present in your life and what they represent. 

Engage in deeper contemplation to uncover the Divine presence within you that enables you to move the mountains or grow stronger in their presence. Understanding this paradox can foster resilience and empower your spiritual journey.

Let this Lenten season be a time of awakening, empowerment, and deep connection with the Divine within you. As you acknowledge this innate strength, may you also foster a sense of humor and grace toward your journey. 

Celebrate the power of creation and transformation within yourself, and remember that while mountains may remain, your understanding of their purpose can lead to profound spiritual growth. 

Embrace this time, and allow the Divine within to guide you as you navigate your path forward.

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.