When Moses encounters the burning bush in the Hebrew Bible, something very defining takes place:
Moses sees something extraordinary, something he cannot really explain, and when GD calls to him, he answers very simply- HINENI- HERE I AM!
He Does not know WHAT will be asked of him.
He has no idea of HOW the story will unfold, or HOW he will find the strength to do what comes ahead….
And still, HINENI!
Moses embodies something that is both very HUMAN and very Mystical:
More than saying I AM HERE, it is the HERE first that implies a willingness to become fully present BEFORE life’s mystery unfolds; to stand open, vulnerable and available, even when understanding of the full scope of the mission, remains hidden.
The same humility presents itself to us in the Jewish High Holidays’ prayer “HINENI HE’ANI MIME’AS” – “HERE I AM, POOR IN DEEDS”- praying without any claim for perfection or all knowing.
Praying as we are, with limitations, questions, uncertainties, and longings.
And maybe here, right in this meaning, there hides a quiet invitation for a spiritual practice:
WE DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING IN ORDER TO SHOW UP….to do the IMMINENT RIGHT THING!!!
Some seasons in our lives will be more clear than others, and that is ok!
It is OK and even essential for our growth to stand sometime between a QUESTION AND AN ANSWER….WAITING IN FAITH!!!
The mystics will teach us again and again that NOT EVERYTHING SACRED CAN BE GRASPED BY THE MIND.
Sometimes we can only digest in parts through intention, attention, humility and OPEN HEART- HINENI AS THE ART OF LISTENING!!!!
The listening of life quietly moving from WITHIN us…..a possibility seating deep in, which calls for stillness and attention to be finally heard and acknowledged!
Your Practice suggestion this week:
At ANY point when you feel uncertain, PAUSE!
ASK- CAN I ENJOY THE NOT KNOWING? CAN UNCERTAINTIES HIDE POSSIBILITIES??????
The only reason the next step is open is because YOU are!!!!!