From the Rector…
“Seek and ye shall find…” (Matthew 7:7) These words are among the most well-known sayings of Jesus. They are beautiful, hopeful, and empower us to actively engage in our own discoveries about the world. Yet, they fail to mention that what lies beyond the open door of discovery can sometimes be troubling.
I don’t mean that every search for answers will necessary lead to something that causes fear or suffering. Rather, I am suggesting that when you genuinely seek knowledge, direction, or truth—and find it—it will inevitably disrupt who you are and what you believe. Of course, you can always choose to ignore what you’ve discovered and return to life as it was, either by denying or rejecting your findings. But that too, can be troubling.
The trouble you encounter doesn’t have to lead to fear. If you allow it, it can spark curiosity. When you realize that your past beliefs no longer align with your present reality, it can be tempting to live in a place of fear. Fear, in itself, is not inherently wrong, but if we allow fear to direct or control our actions and thoughts, we may find ourselves trapped in places of darkness and fall into despair. But trouble doesn’t have to lead to fear and despair, you can choose to respond with curiosity.
When you become curious about the things that trouble you, you create space for wonder. You begin to distance yourself from the suffering associated with the trouble and gain a new perspective—like a scientist in a lab. No longer are you bound by rigid beliefs or expectations; you can now explore the world, as Alice did, through the looking glass. The more you allow your troubledness to become an opportunity for wonder, the more empowered you become.
Empowerment is not about control or manipulation. It is not an opportunity to set certain expectations for yourself or others. It is about release.
Living in that place of wonder means releasing the need to know the answers or control the outcomes. When you release the need to understand mystery and simply appreciate it, then you can also release the need for control and the corrupting influences of power. In doing so, you discover true sovereignty over your life—not because you can control what may or may not happen to you, but because you have discovered a liberating wisdom that transcends personal experience. You come to understand that you are more than the circumstances that surround you; you are fullness of being. Realizing this wholeness is not just empowering—it is what leads to that peace beyond all understanding.
Peace is not about being content with how the world or your life is unfolding; it’s about embracing trouble with wonder and feeling empowered, rather than imprisoned. Peace doesn’t come from making trouble go away—it comes from accepting it as part of your experience. Once you know that peace, you can find rest in it. But this rest isn’t about withdrawing from action or avoiding work; it is the restful assurance of your soul in the trust and promises of God even as you continue to act in the world.
Seek, find; trouble, wonder; empowerment, rest. These are the six-fold experiences of the path of wisdom. When we begin a journey of discovery, the road ahead will lead us down rabbit holes, through gardens, around tea tables, and across croquet courts. We will encounter those who threaten, “Off with your head,” and moments when nothing makes any sense at all. At times, we may feel too small or too large. But if we keep moving forward, with hearts and minds open to the possibilities that emerge, we may discover a wisdom greater than we ever imagined. That wisdom may well teach us who we are—who we truly are—and who God created us to be.
Light and Life,
Candice+