Holy Grail

This is the part of the story when the wolf is at the door, when the roof has sprung a leak, when dark clouds cover the earth and there is a drought upon the land. This is the part of the story when the wounds we have sustained are deep and it appears that there is no cure at hand. This is the part of the story when fear rides in on his dark horse sowing seeks of discontent and loss of hope, when there is no light on the horizon, when violence is the new language and hate the coin of the realm.

But listen. This is also the part of the story when just when we want to give up, the stranger arrives with the bitter herbs that heal our wounds, and the sun breaks through to illuminate the green shoot pushing up from the ground.

This is the part of the story when we hear our inner voice whisper Be still and know me. I am here. You are not alone. I have always been here. Turn to me when you grow weary, when you’ve lost your way, when your heart breaks from cruelty, when all you can ask is why. Why now? Why not something better? Why must it be like this?

It is not for you to know why. Yours is to know how. How to extend a hand to the fallen. How to open your heart so that there is room inside for the despairing, the war torn, the hungry and displaced. Yours is to witness the end of all that is familiar and step into the unknown, holding the hand of the invisibles who are always ready to respond to the call for help.

Yours is to go beyond what you thought you had to give in patience and kindness, loving fiercely and tenderly and imperfectly because this is the Holy Grail. This is the part of the story where we grasp the cup of healing waters and drink deeply, calling down the strength and wisdom of our ancestors. This is the part of the story where we awaken from the trance of fear, where off in the distance despite all predictions, we hear the rising chants of freedom, and the old songs sung into the seashell ears of small children. This is the part of the story where we praise the miracles spirit places before us every day and declare that magic is afoot. This is the part of the story where we remember that now and forever love never fails.