Glimpses of God - Day Thirteen

At the entrance of our 'Walking Together Chapel' (previously known as The Emmaus Chapel) we have an artwork entitled Grandmother Moon and then decals on the glass doors depicting various symbols from the Songhees (Lekwungen) Peoples - the Creator flanked by Eagles, Wolves, the Hands of Welcome, and Doves (from the Christian tradition). These artworks were created for us by Butch Dick, Elder and Artist of the Songhees Nation who shared them with us and in the process built up relationship with members of the group who were ov.erseeing the renovation of that chapel space.

When we gathered to give thanks for the renovation of the chapel, Butch shared with us the imagery and symbolism of what he had put within the artwork, explaining to us the meanings behind the images of hands, wolves, moon, etc - those descriptions are available in the chapel. What was so striking was the depth of understanding of Symbol that Butch shared with us that day -  a language that so many of us have lost, having little or no understanding of how powerful these symbols and the deep spirituality behind them are.

There is so much I have been grateful, and privileged, to learn from Indigenous people of these Islands who have generously given of  their time, their art, and themselves, to help myself and others understand just how rich the connection with the earth, one another, and creation is within their own way of understanding the world, and in doing so they have enriched my own understanding and my own spiritual journey.

I am grateful for those glimpses of God I have been blessed with in the gracious sharing of wisdom from Butch, and by so many of the Indigenous peoples of this place it has been my honour to meet and get to know.

Psalm 19.1-6

  The heavens are telling the glory of God 
   and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
  One day pours out its song to another 
   and one night unfolds knowledge to another.
  They have neither speech nor language 
   and their voices are not heard,
  Yet their sound has gone out into all lands 
   and their words to the ends of the world.
  In them has God set a tabernacle for the sun, 
   that comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber
      and rejoices as a champion to run his course.
  It goes forth from the end of the heavens
      and runs to the very end again, 
   and there is nothing hidden from its heat.