Creating Eyes and Creating Ears at the Angel’s Den
When I saw this gorgeous Russian icon in a shop in the Old City of Jerusalem, I knew I had to have it! It was surprisingly inexpensive (unless of course I misunderstood the shekels!) .. but it’s an amazing creation. I asked an old man called Fr Seraphim why John the Baptist had wings. He said, ‘Ah that’s for two reasons. Firstly because he is like a messenger from God and secondly because he is already living the life of heaven on earth’.
‘And who is that in the chalice? I asked. ‘Is it Jesus, being recognised by John even when he was in the womb?’ He thought it might be.
But then he added. ‘I think it’s a font not a chalice, so the icon is covering a lot of time – Jesus being recognised by John when they were both unborn, and then simultaneously John baptising him when he is old. Icons are clever like that they can cover a lot of perspectives simultaneously. And look! The baby in the font is blessing him!’
Well, I was pleased with all this new knowledge from Fr Seraphim, but why have I felt the need to put up a picture of my icon today? (By the way I bought it for all the bards, actually, and it hangs at present in Tom’s kitchen like a Pilgrim Icon. I’m not sure where it’s going next.)
But today I was reminded of it because I’ve just returned from that wonderful meeting tonight at the Angel’s Den, where I was listened to and prayed for, advised and encouraged about my bardic business, so carefully and attentively by 3 business men and 1 business woman, who were giving their time for free, that it made me think ‘Yes, there are people who want to live as though it matters that they live like heavenly messengers and that if you want to make others realise that Jesus is present, you only have to listen with the ears and eyes of the spirit, so that others feel heard.’
You think that sounds a bit too easy? I have met very few people over the years who give up their time to really deeply listen to other peoples’ journeys, hearts and plans. But when you are in the presence of someone who is attending, your heart leaps up and you feel recognised.
Often, as artists, we think that our great gift is what we say or create. What I learnt again tonight is that one of the most creative things we can do is listen to someone with the ears of the spirit. And at that moment your ears become creating ears, your eyes creating eyes.
Now that’s what I call prophetic!
More of the Angel’s Den another day when I’ve assimilated all I learnt.
with thanks to Sally, Dave, John and Andrew and all those at the Family Business and Sharon from Faith in the Community, who also listens with a prophetic heart..
You are so right Sarah that listening, truely listening to someone makes them feel loved. Not listening for the gap to jump in with your next question, but listening to the words and emotions they convey, suspending judgement, and just listening. It's quite a skill and one we should all practise. I'm sometimes quite horrified by cultures where it is perfectly normally to jump in and speak over someone before they have finished. Try watching any debate on Blasphmy laws in Pakistan on Youtube, it's so hard to follow because the commentators speak over each other all the time. I'm glad you found the Angel's Den a joyful experience, it was certainly a joyful experience to listen to your reflections on life's journey and your aspirations for the future. God Bless Sally
It was a privilege and joy to hear and listen to your journey, especially when delivered with such clear and obvious passion. Thank you for sharing. God Bless, Jon