Here Be Dragons!

One of the realities of hiking after storm season is that the trails will change. Branches break, rocks tumble, trees can fall. In some instances, the trail will be unchanged; in other times it may divert to an easier pathway around landmarks or to ensure safety. In the case of fallen trees, they often need to be trimmed or removed.

On a hike a few weeks ago, one such fallen tree had been cut so hikers could access the path. What had been a substantial arborial marker at the trailhead had descended into a non-viable barricade – and so it was cut. This is what maintenance looks like; it’s not always what we expect or desire but it is what needs to be done.

The particular tree, in being cut, now resembles a dragon. A friendly dragon, to be sure, but those of us on the trail had all commented on its appearance. Who knew that hidden inside that tree for all those years was a dragon to greet us on entry, and wish us well on our exit, overseeing our path?

 
The maintenance was not only necessary, but in doing so, it showed a new thing. So often when we undertake our own maintenance seriously, we too can discover something new – a new opportunity, an unexpected pleasure, a happy surprise. But for us to find those new things, the maintenance must happen.

In our physical bodies, we maintain ourselves with good food, rest, adequate hygiene and grooming. We know that when we look after ourselves well, we make choices and changes: our hair is cut (to avoid becoming scraggly Cousin Itt), our meals are better for us when they are balanced and nutritious (even if the chips appeal), etc. They are small but important aspects of self-maintenance.

So too in our spiritual lives, there are ways that we benefit from maintenance: examining our prayer practices, considering our theologies, embracing our mission… all these things are good, and need regular assessment. They may need to be adjusted, adapted, or altogether changed. What we learned in Sunday school days was wonderful, for the age and stage – but as we develop and mature we are given the gift of possibility: to mature and grow, to discern, to explore: and to maintain a healthy and vibrant spiritual reality.

 
So let’s embrace the possibilities ahead of us, confident that as we journey forward, we may be delightfully surprised by what is hidden within – waiting to be revealed, like a cute dragon in a broken tree.