We are here for two endeavors—
to receive blessings
from a higher realm,
and to make blessings
out of the materials of this realm.

Two roles, two works, two adventures—
to savor a flow of blessings
and send back creations of love,
thank you gifts to the most Generous Giver.

Our work is to look at each situation—
this conflict
this painful history
this person who is ‘ruining the group’
this building the day after it was vandalized
this plot of unused land
this classroom
and create, tend, protect
so that we can say
Look!
This is how Love looks here.

Every time we turn the kaleidoscope,
the picture is a little different.
We shake the beads and
the color and composition change one more time.

That’s us, here, in our differences
and changing circumstance—
We are the grand kaleidoscope.

This world was made large and manifold—
so we can delight The One and find ourselves
in the variety show,
so we can relish every inquiry:
What’s God here?
What’s bright light blazing when it flows through this?
What’s compassion and care and wisdom
in this shake of the beads?

—Tara Mohr