Talking to God at Jim Corbett Resort

Lord, I confessed that ‘lack of spiritual growth’ is my ‘struggle’

That manifested in my lack of controlling the tongue

‘Listening is the key’ so was I told ‘to fight the menace’

That as I listen more to my Master,

I’d also learn to listen more to the others

‘First thoughts’ are often ‘thoughtless thoughts’

They mostly come from the flesh alone

But words that come as we listen first

Have healing power as the Gilead balm.

My ‘old name’ I said is ‘Rising and Falling’

‘Un-stable’ is me as the shifting sand

(What a reassurance when being told

That normal Christian life is also such so!)

My ‘new name’ I want it to be – ‘stable’

And I was told that ‘stability’ comes

When ‘rooted and established’ in Him alone

My ‘desire’ I said is ‘to be a blessing for others’

And the route to this so was I told

‘Be like Mary the mother of the Lord’

She considered not of her shame or pain

But was rejoicing as she saw by faith  

The salvation of mankind that was to come   

As she would obey the heavenly bidding

She also knew somehow a day would come  

When she would be called ‘blessed’ by generations to come

Meditations of Mrs. Chingnu Ngaihte at Jim Corbett Resort (April 2005)

Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter and me!

Jesus

John the Baptist was imprisoned and later his head got cut off and offered on a plate to the power of one who held the reigns of power by his own step-daughter from a woman who was offended by John’s words of admonition.

Jesus, you knew. You were dear to John, known him since long and were related to him as were from your mother’s side. Yet you said nothing and did nothing to intervene. You went off to be to yourself as if it were only to be sorted out with God alone. In deepest struggles and grief, alone with God and you came away victorious.

The multitude followed you wherever you go and practically ate all what you said. They forgot food and also their hunger. Yet you also knew when they are physically tired and hungry and need to eat. You provided from your ‘community kitchen’ – out of love and sharing of what they have plus the grace and power of God, they have their hunger filled with lots to spare (perhaps to spare for other who are also hungry!). Then you withdrew and made time to be alone – alone with God. Alone perhaps to debrief with God and to spend quality time in close fellowship.

You managed the crowd while your disciples were sent on their way. What a lingering moment each of them would have, the second look they would have as you bade them to go home and go on with life once more. Many would have returned home blessed and with a new perspective and hope and life.

Then again you were alone with God. Then the storm and the rising tide came and the disciples’ sheep was tossed about and them driven to despair. Then you hastily speeded to come to the aid of your disciples – walking on the raging sea. Lord! Peter also wanted to water-walk and you simply said ‘Yes, come on’. Storm, despair, your quick appearance, riding the waves and walking on the troubled sea, showing us we too can walk over the trouble seas, and be witnesses of your power and hold over the raging seas. Your disciples worshipped you. We will worship you as we recognize at your divinity. That alone is worship. O to be like you! May I spend more time alone with you my God – after eventful events may I withdraw to reflect and absorb all you have to say in life’s circumstances – as if it were to evolve the write the conclusions with you in the tables of my heart.

Love you Jesus