light a candle; say a prayer

As I lit the candle and sent a prayer to the Universe, to God, I felt something amazing happen. I know Catholics have often used candles as a very integral part of their religious practices. Our church uses candles each week to mark great sorrows or great joys. I began this week lighting candles for certain things and letting them burn as I journal, read and meditate in the morning. There is something rather powerful about the process.

Someone said to me, "It is like you can see your faith." I love that idea. So many things in the spiritual realm are unseen. Our senses are so used to dominating that it makes it hard to be able to see things and feel things without sight and touch. Nonetheless, faith is one of those things.

I was recently reminded about a phrases that Jesus said about give to Caesar that which is Caesar's; give to God, that which is God's. For me, this means I give the practice to God and the actual items where it is due. The reference was to money and this too is another way I have found I can see my faith.

I am not one to believe in the idea that you must tithe (or give 10%) to "God." Money is not God's; money is man's. So, I give money to man (as in a charitable organization) and the sacrament of giving and trust is God's. When I do this, it is not about how much or how often, it is about giving and trusting that God will care for us with or without that $200 (or whatever amount it is).

So today, I am seeing the magnitude of faith in my life and the amazing gift I have of being able to light candles to feel closer to God's truth - to let go of my uncertainties and somehow let them float into the Universe with the flame.