Transcript for January 24, 2010 by Bob Kleinheksel

Eternal and infinite life is ours now and continues in mystery, memory, in countless moments – in pain and beauty both.

In the quiet of this morning, we affirm that we have always been and always will be. Right now, we generate warmth and light sitting side by side; we create or deteriorate with our attitudes, thoughts and will.


We are mindful now and open ourselves to unclenched moments, a softening of spirit where the sharp edges are smoothed and the defenses and dissonance are quieted – at least for now. We are the mob and mass; we are the delicate and bold individuals part of each’s stage and backdrop – both actor and audience in the grand scheme of all things. Each of us here, as sun, as seed, as soil, as possibility, as problem – purposeful and powerful to create, destroy, love, exclude and to be all things in this amazing world.

We honor that which cannot be explained, the bodily and out of body moments that frighten and transform. In death, near death, in-life moments that inspire and guide, that contribute to a metamorphosis of mind. Perhaps we stand and live on both ends more than we know – constantly renewing, dying, re-generating – in cells, skin, dreams, consciousness and body. May we enjoy and embrace the mystery and the unexplained connections and coincidences – the outstanding awareness we have from time to time when another dies or when we have been near or at the end. Let us not be defensive about the times we are on the edge or experience some extra or unknown sense or state; let us also not be dogmatic about the unexplained, for we seek not to absolutize our experiences and interpretations for the rest of our fellows.

The paranormal, out of body sensations and odd phenomena presented to us catch us off guard, intrigue us and frighten us. Let us stand humbly and unafraid, and allow love and a healthy sense of life urgency guide us without fear toward fuller living. Let the wonder and awe stand as is and be life-giving. Let unique occurrences drive us to ourselves and propel us more deeply, lovingly, compassionately into life and relating.

So we live with our hopes, our beliefs, the openness, the discovery – all navigating our way embracing science and all the unknown rest. And perhaps, in the end, it is all natural beyond belief and beyond our horizons. Let us not get caught up in any cult of certainty or dogmatic conformity to any one experience or interpretation of the unexplained, but rather be positively transformed by it all so that we give of ourselves to this world. We commit to sharing a smile or holding a hand with those near, writing a check to countless causes faraway – the disaster relief that goes on and on and volunteering our time and talents. We commit to neighborliness, patience and growing compassion – affirming all states, experiences, feelings and identities – enjoying and recognizing all and attached to none.

We are purposefully open and unafraid; we are intrigued and guided by all we know as well as the vast unknown. Let us live with the curiosity, the maybes, the wonder, the convictions that ground and guide – and then continually give ourselves in service to those near and far. Amen.