“I take literally the statement in the Gospel of John that God loves the world. I believe that the world was created and approved by love, that it subsists, coheres, and endures by love, and that, insofar as it is redeemable, it can be redeemed only by love. I believe that divine love, incarnate and indwelling in the world, summons the world always toward wholeness, which ultimately is reconciliation and atonement with God.” — Wendell Berry
Hints of wholeness Where do we begin and end? Is there a boundary between you and me and other living things? Don’t we all draw breath, our sustenance given by a generous, almighty hand that loves us without restraint? Now we look at air and water, fire and earth, tree and leaf, noticing the connectedness. We see and sense our union with all living things, our sentience linked inexplicably with theirs. Earth in its rawness, primitive soil teeming with hope, with richness, and with life. Fire exists in the heavens, wrapped in the golden glow of sunset and sad devastation of forests. We see repeating patterns in the sky, in a flower, in each day, the length of hours. And our souls can sense areas of difference still giving hints of wholeness. Variety is seeded in the universe, in all burgeoning plants, in faith, and in infancy. What we will become is still a mystery for now, waiting to be revealed. Brokenness is our default state throwing us on God's mercy, his great forgiveness and grace. We learn not to divide our hearts but yield them up in surrendering to his love. Our brothers and sisters are not too dissimilar to us when viewed through grace. One day differences will subside because what unites us is greater than what divides. © joylenton
“[Jesus] matters because of what he brought and what he still brings to ordinary human beings, living their ordinary lives and coping daily with their surroundings. He promises wholeness for their lives. In sharing our weaknesses he gives us strength and imparts through his companionship a life that has the quality of eternity.” — Dallas Willard in Ruthless Trust – Brennan Manning
Poetry Joy 
So beautiful as usual, dear Joy. I especially love the last stanza of your poem:
“One day differences will subside
because what unites us
is greater than what divides.”
Thank you for your inspiring words, dear Joy. Blessings and love to you! xoxo
Dear Gayl, I’m glad those lines spoke to you. I so appreciate you being here, my friend. Thank you for your kind and encouraging thoughts and generous social media sharing. You’re such a blessing to me. Love and hugs! xoxo 💟
Absolutely Beautiful!
Thank you, Collin! Bless you for letting me know it spoke to you. 😊
Good morning, Joy, thank you so much for blessing me this morning: “Brokenness is our default state”.
Bringing that to meditation. Enjoy this given day. Love, Julie
Hello Julie, it’s a pleasure to bring a blessing your way. Savour your meditation! We’re having rather a dull, drab and wet day here. Icy conditions and snow are forecast from tomorrow onwards. I hope you can still manage your hikes and shorter walks. Love and hugs, Joy xo 😊💟
Dear Joy,
Such precious words and images here. I love this stanza:
” What we will become
is still a mystery
for now, waiting to be revealed.”
It reminds me of the Scripture that “all creation is groaning” every part is waiting for that full mystery of God’s healing and wholeness to be revealed. We see such glimpses now–what incredible beauty will it be then? Thank you for lifting my heart today, dear friend. Blessings, love, and hugs to you. xoxo
Dear Bettie, thank you for sharing that Scripture reference which links so aptly with the mystery of our full becoming in Christ. Oh, yes, the future “incredible beauty” of creation and of our souls is unimaginable once fully released from the burden of the Fall and its devastating effects. I’m honoured to have been instrumental in the lifting of your heart, dear friend. May God grant you more encouragement, renewed hope, and strengthening for the challenging days ahead. Much love, blessings, hugs, and prayers. xoxo ❤️