Lava Lamp
I recalled a long moment as a teenager
when it was easy to be mesmerized
by the slow dance inside a Lava Lamp
As heat from the bulb turned the wax
liquid inside the oil, it slowly rose effortlessly
until it cooled then gracefully settled down
The glass container enhanced the choreography
with its clear shell of an elongated pear shape
it too peacefully comfortable in its role
Colors of deep yellow and blue drew me in
separated, but never mixing into solid green
Sometimes the wax united with a friend
their joining to be larger, yet still the same
A current, a synchronicity was at play
reminding me of a silent ballet show
that could be watched again and again
Nothing was ever the same within
Even in my youth, I grasped for God’s lesson
waiting for the message to become clear
I somehow knew beyond was where I had to go
sensing I was not quite ready to go there
Now I know the warmed wax
and the precious oil of the lamp
The ebb and flows a glimpse of freedom
from my own self centeredness
Sometimes I am drawn to the easel to mix colors, brush in hand, clueless to what will appear. I have found when I put the paint on the fresh white canvas there will be a lesson. This time I saw a significant connection to a moment from my past of an entire afternoon I that had been mesmerized by a Lava Lamp. I had put the memory aside as a brief vignette among many others in my life. In this case I had an instant of deep insight of the long patient dance with God. I finally saw the meaning of being freely suspended within the will of God.
For further reflection:
Ephesians 2:11-22 – Scripture (NRSVCE Bible)
11 So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body[c] through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.[e] 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.
Lava Lamp painting by Jerry
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The poem above is included in the collection of 40 Christian poems in the The Color of My Heart within the Immersive Prayer website. The poems are also available in book form on Amazon in Paperback or  . All Proceeds go to Charity. |
Additional Thoughts about my Poetry
I believe my writing fits snugly into the category of grounded mystical Christian theology. I have studied, written, and spiritually and physically applied this practical concept in my life for nearly two decades. I have never seen or participated in what some might call a vision or phenomenon. However, I appreciate that they may be a reality for the person or group, and God has provided them with deep consolation. For me, consolation is the beginning of a two-way relationship with God.
My own experiences are more intellectual in nature because I lean toward engineering and science. The reality for me is that God is always present because we are his tabernacles. We constantly miss His surfacing of lighter than a feather touch because we are a physical people. We talk about opening our hearts to this love, but technically, our intellect gets in the way. I have been trying to prove this virtually every day for well over a decade by documenting what I believe are grounded mystical thoughts in various ways.
The tragedy of 9/11 was a significant transformative moment in my spiritual life because of a first hand experience. I am re-dedicating the thoughts and prayers associated with my Christian Poetry to all those affected.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these reflections of the contemplative material of this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions:
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use Bible passages.
This website follows the guidelines for image web use at the website of the Brooklyn Museum, the Jewish Museum and this Immersive Prayer website.
Peace,
Jerry