I commend to all readers the comment Tom posted last night in reply to my letter on Struggle. Go to www.thehubbellpew.com, go to Comments and click on Tom’s latest.
This week I experienced what the Sufis describe as the “jarring effect.” It is something that jars one’s soul. I was upset, angry and irritated at an injustice, and internally I wanted to lash out and act on my irritation. This particular disturbance was one that reoccurs from time to time, and I struggle with myself and my faith when it occurs. I know that if I expressed my irritation in a public way I’d be disagreeable and accomplish nothing. However, by holding it in, I am crushing myself internally, constantly churning my irritation and desire to respond. Sufis suggest using these jars as an opportunity to learn patience and to rise above the irritations. They talk about being like a small piece of wood floating on top of the ocean. The waves of an ocean can destroy walls of iron and stone, but the small piece of word floats on top avoiding the destruction of the sea. Perhaps that is what is meant by being of the world, but not in it. More tomorrow.
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