The Rev. Ian Gregory Cummins

Lead Pastor for Spiritual Life

Be the moose.

A few years ago I was on retreat in the Colorado mountains when I came upon a moose.  It was a beautiful evening and I found a large boulder from which to sit safely and observe him (or perhaps her?).  I was struck by how deliberately and intentionally she nibbled her dinner of leaves and berries, and I was aware of her quiet, steady strength.  She seemed connected with and grounded in the rightness of creation, and being with her helped me find that rightness too.

I reflected later how non-moose-like our world can feel with everyone moving so quickly and often seeming so scattered.  Since then, when I find myself running too fast and losing my connection with my deepest self and with God, I whisper, "Be the moose."

If you're feeling scattered this week, slow down and remember that God's strength and wisdom are present within you and all around you.  Remember that the things people really need most from you come out when you stay close to God. Remember that there is a rightness underlying creation to which you always have access. 

Remember...to be the moose.

Grace and goodness,

Ian