Breathe steam

A background ringing. A heaviness, as if a sock were stuffed inside my ear. I am not deaf, but I am relying on lip-reading to clarify what I think I hear. 

This is how I come to God. I want to hear his voice clearly, but there is a background ringing, an earworm reminding me of concerns, chores, people-to-call or e-mail. Distracting me from the focus I long to have. 

I want to hear his voice clearly, but there is something dulling the acuity of my hearing. Cultural baggage. Political correctness. Societal assumptions. 

I’ve been given some decongestant and told to breathe steam. I need to decongest my spiritual ears, and spend time in the steam-room of prayer and the sauna of the Bible.

I know that will do the trick. All I need is to prioritise the time...

Clear Skies

Yesterday was a glorious day in Los Angeles.

The sun was bright in a clear blue sky – yes, really clear. I don’t know where the smog and haze had gone, but they were outta there.

After dropping Robbie into the mayhem of LAX, I joined Mom and Mhairi at Mhairi’s garden apartment in Studio City. It’s a wee oasis in the midst of a sprawling city. A cul de sac without sidewalks, heavily shaded by overhanging bamboo, brightened up by deep red bougainvilla flowers. A Jacuzzi and small swimming pool are there for her use, and the small square of grass outside her window provides a backdrop for the antics of various animals. Squirrels. Possums. Birds.

And occasionally, horrifically, seven rats.

Well, only the garden of Eden was perfect.

We went up to the Griffith Park Observatory where we enjoyed panoramic views over the whole LA basin area. And a clear view of the iconic Hollywood sign. 

We saw the exhibits, enjoyed the sun, and ate well afterwards. 

A glorious day.