Aster Struck

Stars and flowers have been on my mind. Probably due to the recent stories of the three magi who recognized and followed the star of the baby who would become king of the Jews (according to the gospel of Matthew)…and also due to my own discovery of Aster daisies with regard to future plans for replanting my (neglected of late) garden.

In the USA, we don’t officially recognize any royalty in this country. “Kings” are politicians or corporate/industry giants or Hollywood stars – recognized as “kings” only after doing something noteworthy. With regard to Jesus – the star-readers weren’t looking for his CV or accomplishments. Yet, he was born of a certain impressive lineage. However, he was poor and unnoticed/disregarded by most of the people most of the time. I don’t know much about any religions, but I have heard that when the (Tibetan Buddhist?) Dali Lama dies, his disciples search for a baby or child who appears to be the reincarnated self of the recently deceased Dali Lama, but I believe that baby once found is treated pretty well.

My simple ponderings led me to wonder…why is the expectation of deity paced on a baby anyway? Could it be because a baby has the capacity to grow?...yet a baby calls for nurturing and care. A deity baby needing nurturing? Wouldn’t a God be able to take care of himself without participation from humans?

That takes me to God who is Love. Take romantic love for example. It usually first somehow magically appears, it is “born” and joyfully recognized. Then, when there is hope for it to continue into the future, it is cared for and brought along, prompted, encouraged; faithfully handled with patience, gentleness, self-control, which results in a peaceful then fruitful union.

Could it be the same with God-in-us, i.e., the Spirit of our Creator here and now…the way He/She/It is recognized then developed within ourselves and shared with others?

Just some New Year and Monday night ponderings.

Peace and Love
Keren

PS Just so I don’t leave out the daisies…in my part of the world –certain aster daisies are actually perennial shrubs but only bloom under certain conditions.